
Class. / 



Book 







MEMOIE. 




MEMOIR OF THE LIFE 



RT. REV. ALEXANDER VIETS GRISWOB), D. D. 



BISHOP OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 



EASTERN DIOCESE. 



BY JOHN S: STONE, D. D. 

RECTOR OF CHRIST CHURCH, BROOKLYN, N . Y 



WITH AN APPENDIX 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED 



A SERMON, CHARGE, AND PASTORAL LETTER 



LATE BISHOP, 



N ) 



PHILADELPHIA: 

STAVELY AND McCALLA 

No. 12 Pear street. 

1844, 






Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1844, by 

STAVELY & McCALLA, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania, 



PREFACE. 

This word may be defined ; that part of a book, which 
is always written last ; though, if read at all, it is usually 
read first. In olden times, it used to make no inconside- 
rable portion of the work, to which it belonged ; and was 
sometimes no contemptible volume by itself. In attempt- 
ing, however, a preface to the present work, the writer 
finds that he has little to add for the edification of his 
reader. All that he had to say has been already said. The 
best essay on the character and life of Bishop Griswold will 
be found in his own recorded words and actions. These 
have been given with as much justice to the Bishop himself 
and with as little offence to others, as was possible. The 
memoir will be found valuable, chiefly as a record of cha- 
racter, and of the dealings of God's grace and providence ; 
though it is hoped that, as a small contribution to our eccle- 
siastical history, the book will be found not altogether value- 
less. Whatever its value, in this respect, may be, how- 
ever, there need be little hesitation in saying, that the 
character of the holy man, whose life is now sent forth, and 
the dealings of God in the formation of that character, de- 
serve to be had in remembrance : they cannot too deeply, 
too widely, or too enduringly impress themselves on the 
living Church of Christ. 

To those, who have kindly assisted the following work, 
by the contribution of original letters from the Bishop, and 
of other valuable documents, the writer begs, in this way, 



VIII PREFACE. 

to express his unfeigned thanks. Many invaluable letters 
from the same pen have, indeed, been either lost, or with- 
held ; still, enough have been furnished to shew the value of 
the rest, and to lay the religious public under deep obliga- 
tion to those, who so generously responded to the call for 
such contributions. 

And now, nothing remains but to commit to God's favor 
and blessing the pages, which have been penned ; and to 
say that, if they do the reader as much good as they have 
the writer, he may well be satisfied with his work, and 
devoutly thank God that he has not labored in vain. 



CONTENTS. 



Preface, 

The Bishop's ancestry, parentage and birth, 

His childhood and youth, - 

From his marriage to his ordination as Presbyter, 

From his ordination to the close of his ministry in Con- 
necticut, ....---. 

Fjom his settlement in Bristol to his consecration as Bishop, 

Account of the organization of the Eastern Diocese and of 
the election and consecration of Bishop Griswold, 

Early events in his Episcopate, - 

Brief notices of the Eastern Diocese, and of the life of its 
Bishop as therewith connected, - 

Call to St. Peter's, Salem, in 1813 ; Influence of the war on 
the state of the Church ; Burning of Portsmouth, N. H. 
Origin of St. James', Greenfield ; Letter to a Lay-reader, 
on Canon 19th, of 1808 ; St. Mary's, Newton; Letters to 
the Rev. T. Strong; Call to Cambridge in 1816; The 
Bishop's Charge of 1814 noticed in England; Correspon- 
dence with the Rev. J. Pratt, Secretary of the Church 
Missionary Society in England ; Prosperity of the Church 
in 1816. The Bishop invited to perform Episcopal duties 
in Connecticut after the death of Bishop Jarvis ; Scarcity of 
Prayer books and clergy ; Church in the valley of the 
Connecticut ; Gen. Theol. Sem. ; Letter to the Rev. P. 
Chase, Bishop-elect of Ohio ; Obstacles to the growth of 
the Church, 1818; Resolution against fashionable amuse- 
ments; Letter to the Rev. A. L. Baury; Origin of St. 
Paul's, Boston, 1819 ; Church organized in the new 
State of Maine ; Motion for changing Biennial for Annual 
Conventions ; Motives to Missionary labor ; Pastoral Let- 
ter for 1820 from the House of Bishops; "Gospel Advo- 



PAGE. 

13- 27 

28 55 

56 72 



73- 

99- 

132- 
169- 

211 



-98 
-131 

-168 
-210 



X. CONTENTS. 

cate" established ; Decayed Churches, and Letter to the 
Rev. Mr. Carlile ; views of the Bishop's character, firm, 
yet yielding; Interesting Letter, on his tour in 1821; 
views of character; Last Biennial Convention, 1822; 
Division of the Diocese first proposed in 1822 ; Notices of 
the Annual Address for 1821 ; Special General Conven- 
tion of 1821 ; System of Sunday School Instruction pro- 
posed ; First notice of Prayer-meetings ; Correspondence 
with Bishop Hobart, &c, on the case of Dr. Ducachet; 
Case of the Rev. Mr. Bristed ; Difficulties in St. Paul's, 
Boston, and case of Dr. Jarvis ; Episcopal prayer-meet- 
ings ; Essays on the proposed alterations of the Liturgy ; 
Character of the Bishop's Annual Addresses ; The Rev. A. 
Potter succeeds to St. Paul's, Boston ; Domestic afflictions ; 
Clerical Association suggested ; Proposed Theological 
Seminary; Church principles, and responsibilities; In- 
teresting extracts ; Growth of the Church in Boston, and 
rise of Grace Church parish ; The Bishop's removal from 
Bristol to Salem ; Death of the Rev. Geo. Griswold ; 
Volume of Sermons, published ; Scarcity of clergy ; Peril 
on Narraganset Bay; The Bishop's punctuality; Anec- 
dotes illustrative ; Massachusetts movements in 1831 ; 
Correspondence with the Rev. Mr. Bristed, on exchange 
of pulpits, &c. ; Opening movements in 1832 ; Vermont 
becomes an independent Diocese ; Parting letter to Bishop 
Griswold; Massachusetts movements in 1832; Annual 
Address for 1832 ; Can a Bishop resign his Jurisdiction? 
Origin of the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Convoca- 
tions ; Organization ; Notice of Convocation ; Oratorios 
in Churches ; Letter to E. A. N. ; The Bishop retires from 
pastoral duty and settles in Boston; Diocesan Theological 
Seminary again urged; History of the efforts to organize 
and endow the Seminary ; Death of Bishop White leaves 
Bishop Griswold Senior and Presiding Bishop ; Letter to 
Bishop B. T. Onderdonk ; Dissolution of the Diocese again 
proposed, and rejected ; State of the Church in Boston in 
1836 ; Dangerous illness in 1837 ; Effort to elect an Assist- 
ant in 1837-8; Thoughts on the proposed election; Views 
of the Diocese ; Pastoral Letter for 1838 from the House 
of Bishops ; Attempt to make the Conventions of the East- 



CONTENTS. XI. 

PAGE. 

em Diocese triennial, insteacfof annual; Annual Address 
for 1839 ; Letter to the Rev. G. S. Coit ; Farewell Mission- 
ary meeting- at St. Bartholomew's, New York, and Letter 
of Instructions to the Missionaries ; Foreign Correspond- 
ence, on intercommunion of Churches; Pastoral Letter for 
1841 from the House of Bishops; Critique on Church Edi- 
fices ; The Bishop's letter of commendation to the Rev. J. 
C. Richmond ; Reply to strictures on the letter in the New 
York Churchman ; Unjust charge against the Bishop re- 
futed; Mar Yohanna; Renewed Critique on .Church Edi- 
fices ; Conventions of Massachusetts and the Eastern Dio- 
cese in 1842; Election of Dr. Eastburn as Assistant 
Bishop; Importance of this election; Consecration of 
Bishop Johns ; Consecration of Bishop Eastburn ; State 
of Eastern Diocese ; Bishop Griswold still labors ; Essays 
on the Reformation ; The Bishop's Protestantism ; Closing 

View of the Eastern Diocese, 211 459 

Extracts, &c, from private journals and from private letters 

during the Episcopate of Bishop Griswold, - - - 460 508 

Parochial Life of Bishop Griswold after the year 1812, - 509 527 

Domestic life and character of Bishop Griswold, - - 528 554 

Appendix, ...-..-. 555 578 

Sermon, -.--..-.. 579 591 

Pastoral Letter, 594 601 

Charge, - - - ' . - . - - . 602 620 



MEMOIR, &c 



THE BISHOP S ANCESTRY, PARENTAGE AND BIRTH. 

To keep alive after death, the memory and influence of 
a great man, is not necessarily the most beneficent office of 
the biographer. Nor is this office always found in the work 
of transmitting to posterity the character and actions of even 
a good man. It is only when, to the qualities, which mark 
the good, is added somewhat of the attributes, which con- 
stitute the great, man also, gone to his dwelling among those 
dead who are yet alive, that biography has before it its rich- 
est field, and finds within its reach treasures, with which it 
may most largely bless mankind. 

That the subject of the following memoir was pre-emi- 
nently a good man, vast multitudes of the dead, and perhaps 
vaster multitudes of the living have long and well known. 
That he was also, in important respects^a truly great man, 
great, not only in his goodness, but also independently of it, 
many, both of the dead and of the living, have already felt, 
and many more, it is believed, of those who survive him 
will feel, if the attempt now made to transmit his memory to 
posterity, should succeed in doing simple justice to its sub- 
ject. 

To the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
these United States, the life of Bishop Griswold can hardly 
prove otherwise than a matter of peculiar interest. Born 
many years anterior to the date of our Ecclesiastical origin, 
at a time, when, under our Colonial existence, the elements 

B 



14 MEMOIR OF THE 

of our present organization and growth lay but in their em- 
bryo forms, his life measures the whole course of our Church 
History, and runs back beyond the opening of that History 
into those days of simple manners and habits, of pure faith 
and practice, out of which, as from a fresh and copious foun- 
tain, have flowed the now swelling streams both of our 
national and of our Ecclesiastical being. Originating in 
such an age as that which has been named, and living 
through such a period, as that which has succeeded, Bishop 
Griswold for near half a century filled, in its various grades, 
the ministry of our Church ; for more than thirty years held 
Episcopal supervision over one of the largest of its integral 
portions ; and, in all the stations, which he occupied, acted 
his part with singular wisdom and fidelity, and has left be- 
hind him an enduring monument both of rare abilities and 
of uncommon excellence. 

This, however, is not the place for his eulogy. Let that 
be found chiefly in a simple record of what he was and of 
what he did. 

Something of this record we have, as written by himself; 
and the insight thus furnished into his own character and 
history will greatly facilitate the labors of him, who has un- 
dertaken to make the record fuller and more complete. His 
auto-biography reaches from the period of his birth to that of 
his consecration ; and, had not his modesty led him into far 
too great brevity, it should be here given entire, as the best 
possible history of that portion of his life. Brief as it is, 
however, it will enrich and give its chief value to the some- 
what fuller narrative of that portion, which will be attempted. 
I know not that I can better introduce the whole story of 
his life than in the words, with which this precious fragment 
opens. They are characteristic of the man, and will put 
into our hands a light which we shall do well to carry with 
us as we trace his opening way from infancy to age. 

He says: "When one so great and so wise as Solomon, 
on reviewing the scenes of his past life, has pronounced 
upon them, i vanity of vanities ;' what can there be, worth 
recording, among the things, which occupy the hours of 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 15 

ordinary men ? When one writes memoirs of himself, it is 
natural to suppose that he is actuated by vanity, contempti- 
ble as the trifles which he relates. Pliny judges those to be 
happy, who do things worthy to be written, or write things 
worthy to be read. To neither of these merits does the pre- 
sent writer make any claim. And yet, knowledge of man- 
kind is useful ; and not only the wisdom of the wise, but 
also the errors of the simple, may do good from the record, 
in which they lie. In the life of almost every man, however 
low or humble his state, however obscure or private his 
station, are things, which, could they be known, would be 
useful, and, were they well told, would be entertaining, to 
the living. And when one has little to say of himself, which 
is not rather to his shame than to his praise, vain-glory is 
less likely to be his motive : and although, in the lives of 
most men, there are few things generally interesting, yet 
there are few, if there be any, so obscure, that their biogra- 
phy would be uninteresting to every survivor. The child 
must be gratified in having on record the chief incidents of 
a parent's life. Friends, too, and acquaintance must be 
pleased with a memorial of transactions, in which themselves, 
or their progenitors have been concerned. Such notices are 
of use, and should be encouraged for the sake of preserving 
a knowledge of family connexions and genealogies. And 
who knows of what use they may be in the annals, or even 
history of any country ? 

"It may, indeed, be profitable to write some account of 
one's own life even if it serve no other purpose than to re- 
mind or convince us of our unworthiness, and of how little 
profit to ourselves and to the world that life has been. 
There are probably few, who would not be humbled by an 
impartial review of what they have been, of what they have 
done, and of what they have left undone. In truth, how- 
ever, the ' longing after immortality,' the desire to be re- 
membered after death, so natural to us all, should be 
cherished, were it but for the effect it has in stimulating us 
to do what is worthy to be remembered and to be followed. 
It is said to have been the practice of the ancient Egyptians, 



16 MEMOIR OF THE 

when one died, to institute a solemn trial of his character, 
and to pronounce upon it such sentence as in his life he had 
merited. To such a trial in public estimation is every 
character subject; and the looking forward to it is, to every 
well ordered mind, a strong incentive to good and worthy 
actions. 

" Some written account of a clergyman's life should be pre- 
served, that the history of the Church may not be lost." 

Beginning to write with such views of himself, it is not 
likely that Bishop Griswold, had he written a full auto-bio- 
graphy not only of the first forty-five, but also of the whole 
seventy-seven years of his life, would have given many 
proofs of having written under the influence of " vain glory." 
His own ripened modesty would not allow him to rank him- 
self on the catalogue of Pliny's happy ones, although pos- 
terity, more just to his virtues and to his deeds, will be apt 
to think it his proper place ; having both done what is wor- 
thy of being written, and written what is worthy of being 
read. His deeds, it is true, have not filled a noisy world 
with the clamor of his praise ; nor have his writings ever 
associated him with the popular idols of the day. Still, his 
deeds have been such that his " praise has long been in all 
the ChurcJies ;" and his writings will at least be worthy of 
remembrance, when many, which for their day caught the 
popular breeze, shall have been forgotten. 

Had he written minutely of himself in his auto-biography, 
he might indeed have been compelled to record many things, 
which in the judgment of posterity would have redounded 
" to his praise ;" but he could not have recorded many things 
" to his shame," unless by revealing what the world never 
saw, those sins of nature, and of thought, over which every 
man has to weep when he approaches the Mercy Seat, and 
which make Christ to every believer so exceedingly pre- 
cious. 

In short, a trial, as severely just as that instituted of old 
by the Egyptians, has already been held over his character 
and actions ; and the sentence, which has been pronounced, 
is only what in his life he had merited ; a place among the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 17 

great, especially among the greatly good, men of our Church, 
and of our age. 

"I was born," he says, "April 22d, 1766, in Simsbury, 
county of Hartford, and State of Connecticut ; and was named 
Alexander Viets, after my mother's grandfather, who was 
a physician from Germany. My parents, on both sides, were 
respectable and considered wealthy in a town, where few, if 
any, were possessed of larger estates. My father, Elisha 
Griswold, was from the Windsor branch of a numerous fami- 
ly, the descendants of Matthew Griswold, who came from 

England in the year . My mother, Eunice, was the 

daughter of John and Lois Viets." 

In this short paragraph is comprised the whole account, 
which the Bishop gives of his ancestry. It may not be un- 
interesting therefore, to pause a moment, in the course of the 
narrative, for the purpose of giving the few additional particu- 
lars, which I have been able to glean. 

The Bishop's paternal ancestor, Matthew Griswold, who 
came over from England, was possibly one of the company, 
who left the counties of Devonshire, Dorsetshire, and Somer- 
setshire, and arrived at Nantasket on the coast of Massachu- 
setts, the 30th day of May, 1630. Among the principal men 
of that company were "the Rev. Mr. John Wareham, a 
celebrated minister in Exeter, the capital of the county of 
Devon: Mr. Henry Wolcott, Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Rosseter, 
and others of Mr. Wareham's congregation, who first settled 
the town of Windsor." This Windsor was the first settle- 
ment ever made by the whites within the State of Connecti- 
cut; and this "Rev. Mr. John Wareham" was the first 
pastor of its Church and congregation, the seeds of which he 
brought over with him from Exeter. Mr. Wareham settled 
first as pastor of a congregation in Dorchester, near Boston, 
where he remained for six years from the period of his arri- 
val in 1630. In 1633, Mr. Wm. Holmes sailed from Ply- 
mouth in Massachusetts Bay, with the frame and materials 
for a single house, and landing in Connecticut river just be- 
low the mouth of the Farmington, set up and covered his 
materials " with the utmost despatch," and thus erected " the 



18 MEMOIR OF THE 

first house in Connecticut." In 1635, "a number of Mr. 
Wareham's people," " about sixty men, women and children, 
with their horses, cattle and swine, commenced their journey 
from Massachusetts through the wilderness to Connecticut 
river ;" and, after suffering great hardships, and being long 
on the way, " arrived safely at the places of their respective 
destination." And in 1640, after Mr. Wareham had be- 
come settled as first pastor of the congregation in Windsor, 
the town records shew a list of the names of its early settlers ; 
among which appear those of "Mr. Henry Wolcott, Roger 
Ludlow, Esq., and Bray Rosseter;" doubtless the same be- 
fore mentioned as having accompanied Mr. Wareham from 
Exeter to Nantasket in 1630. On the same list of Windsor 
names in 1640 appear those of Edward Griswold, Humphrey 
Pinney, and Thomas Holcomb, who probably belonged to 
the same company, and were the ancestors of the Griswold, 
Pinney and Holcomb families, who afterwards removed from 
Windsor to Simsbury, and whose descendants are still living 
in that and the adjacent towns. The Edward Griswold, 
whose name appears on the town records of Windsor, in 
1640, may have been a son of the Bishop's ancestor from 
England, Matthew Griswold ; and if so, it becomes even pro- 
bable that this ancestor was one of the company, who came 
over from Exeter with Mr. Wareham in 1630. But, whether 
this were so or not, it is sufficiently apparent that this ancestor 
was one of the first settlers of that ancient town, of whose 
very first inhabitants it is remarked; "This was considered 
an honorable company."* 

The first of the Griswold family, that removed from Wind- 
sor to Simsbury, appears to have been the Bishop's grand- 
father, " 'Squire Samuel Griswold," as he is now respectfully 
termed in the neighborhood of his former residence. He 
purchased and built upon a beautiful farm lying within the 
principal bend of the Farmington river, in the town of Sims- 
bury. This stream, after rising among the mountains in the 
southwest part of the State of Massachusetts, and running 

* Barber's Hist. Col. for Connecticut, p. 124. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 19 

southeasterly towards the centre of Connecticut, enters a 
beautiful valley at a point near the town of Farmington; 
which town gives its name both to the valley and the river, 
which flows through it. At Farmington, the river makes a 
sudden turn to the North; and after running for several 
miles, along the western base of the Talcot mountains, 
through lovely meadows and fields, with its banks ever and 
anon graced with numerous lofty and spreading elms, it 
sweeps eastwardly and southwardly in a graceful curve 
round a fine point of land, and breaking suddenly through 
the mountains by a gorge, which cleaves them to their base, 
pursues its way across the plains of the Connecticut, into 
which it empties at the town of Windsor. The point of land 
just named, around which the Farmington sweeps into its 
mountain gorge, embracing a tract of 500 acres, washed on 
all sides, but its southern, by a most lovely stream, and vary- 
ing in its surface from the rich meadow to the mountain wood- 
land, constituted the estate of "'Squire Samuel Griswold;" 
and his house, built on a beautiful swell of ground, looked 
down upon the romantic scenery of the river just where it 
plunges into its wild mountain pass. In this house, the 
Bishop was born; and before the place of his birth was 
seized by that modern spoiler of the beauties of nature, a 
manufacturing village, it must have been one of uncommon 
loveliness. Features of this loveliness, indestructible by the 
hand of man, still remain ; and the w T hole surrounding scene 
is one, in which the lover of nature would delight to linger. 
Here, for more than a quarter of a century, and in sweet re- 
tirement from a noisy and an artificial world, were spent the 
childhood, the youth, and the ripening manhood of him, the 
stream of whose beautiful and beneficent life we are begin- 
ning to trace. 

His father, Elisha Griswold, whether an only son or not, 
seems to have come into possession of the paternal estate, 
with whom it remained unbroken till his death, and its con- 
sequent apportionment among his various heirs. He was a 
man of quiet good sense, and remarkably home-keeping 
habits. His numerous household, however, of sons and 



20 MEMOIR OF THE 

daughters, were a family of various talent, especially mechani- 
cal and literary. None of his sons indeed were ever ap- 
prenticed to a trade ; although Roger and Elisha, two of the 
Bishop's brothers, were intuitively ingenious mechanics, and 
from time to time turned their attention to various branches 
of the mechanic arts. Their ingenuity was, in fact, too ver- 
satile; and they never prospered. With successive and, 
for the times, splendid schemes in hand, they ran the race of 
too many other of the inventive geniuses of New England, 
and lived poor, because, in the homely phrase, "they had 
too many irons in the fire." The story, current in various 
places and under various forms, of the Bishop's having been 
brought up a shoemaker, or a blacksmith, is a groundless 
tale ; although, had such been the fact, he was, like Roger 
Sherman, one of the last men to be ashamed of any honest 
and therefore honorable calling. His early vocation was 
agricultural, though all his tastes were, from earliest child- 
hood, distinctly and strongly literary. In these tastes, his 
brother Ezra, who early settled at Worthington in Ohio, 
where he became zealously instrumental in the first organi- 
zation of our Church, in that Diocese, and in the election of 
its first Bishop, largely participated ; as did also one of his 
sisters, who married into the Pinney family in Simsbury, 
where she still resides, and is said to be a woman of uncom- 
monly extensive reading. His brother, Samuel, was edu- 
cated at Yale College, and became for a time a very popu- 
lar and able minister of our Church; although it is now 
many years since he ceased to exercise the functions of his 
ministry. He is still living in Western New York. His 
sister, Deborah, who was married to a Mr. Baker, settled 
and yet lives in the town of Lanesborough in Massachusetts ; 
while his sister, Sylvia, became the wife of a Rev. Mr. 
Jones, a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, as whose re- 
spected widow she now resides in the vicinity of her native 
place. 

From this notice of the family as descended by the father's 
side, it is proper to look a moment at its ancestry by the 
mother's. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 21 

About the year 1634, the Dutch, under patronage of Van 
Twiller, Governor of Fort Amsterdam, now New York, at- 
tempted to possess themselves of lands on the Connecticut 
river. For this purpose, they seized upon and fortified " Dutch 
Point," now Hartford, and endeavored to frustrate the settle- 
ment of Mr. Holmes, and his companions at Windsor from 
the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. By an order from 
the British Parliament, however, their design was defeated ; 
their possessions at Dutch Point confiscated, and the party 
obliged to return to Fort Amsterdam. 

A century later, Alexander Viets, an eminent and wealthy 
Dutch physician of New York, who had come over from 
Europe, and was settled among the descendants of those of 
his countrymen, who made the attempt at Dutch Point, 
having learned the existence of Copper mines in Simsbury, 
disposed of his property in New York, and purchased the ter- 
ritory, on which those mines lay. His speculation was un- 
successful, and resulted in the loss of all his property. He 
resumed the practice of medicine in Simsbury, though with 
nothing of his former pecuniary success. After the European 
custom, his city patients used to pay cash in hand for every 
visit. His country patients thought it well enough to pay 
when dunned. But, for dunning, he had neither heart nor 
habits ; and so lived and died poor. So poor did he be- 
come, that when his son, John, asked the daughter of a re- 
spectable neighbour in marriage, he was opposed by her 
parents on the ground of his being utterly unportioned. The 
marriage, nevertheless, took place; and John Viets, with 
more talent for business than his father, became the restorer 
of the fallen fortunes of the family. He recovered the terri- 
tory about the mines, and, at his death left to each of several 
sons a valuable farm. These mines lie on the western ac- 
clivity of the Talcot mountains, two or three miles north of 
the Griswold estate, and command noble views over the 
Farmington Valley and the hills, which rise beyond it, in 
the west. John Viets originally lived on the northwest de- 
scent from the mines to the valley ; where the old cellar of his 
house is still visible. Subsequently, however, he removed 



22 MEMOIR OF THE 

and built the house, which is still standing near the mouth 
of the mines, and which is now occupied by the aged widow 
of his son, Luke Viets. This house, perched on a high and 
sightly step of the mountain, was the birth-place of the 
Bishop's mother, and of his uncle Roger Viets, of whom I 
shall say more hereafter. Several of the surrounding farms 
are still in possession of the family, and constitute a neighbor- 
hood of Vietses. 

Dr. Alexander Viets, then, was, by the mother's side, the 
great-grandfather of Bishop Griswold; and John Viets, his 
grandfather. This John Viets, as we have seen, was a man 
of superior abilities, which seem to have been inherited by 
his daughter Eunice, the Bishop's mother ; and her marriage 
with Elisha Griswold, his father, brought together two of the 
most considerable families and estates in the town. 

Having thus traced the Bishop's natural parentage, it may 
be well, before entering on the incidents of his childhood, to 
glance at the circumstances, which lie as a fountain head, 
under God, to his religious character. 

Dr. Alexander Viets appears to have carried with him 
from New York to Simsbury a strong attachment to the Pres- 
byterian Church. Accordingly, we find his son John a 
sturdy adherent to the doctrines and institutions of that de- 
nomination. This zealous Presbyterian, finding his son 
Roger, from early childhood, a boy of high promise, and re- 
markably fond of books, resolved to educate him for a Pres- 
byterian minister. Accordingly, at the early age of thirteen he 
sent him to Yale College. One Sunday, while a student 
there, he expressed a strong desire to attend the English 
Church, as the Episcopal was then designated. With much 
difficulty he obtained permission from the President, for one 
Sunday. He went; and for the first time in his life, wit- 
nessed the services of our Church. He was interested, he 
was impressed : so much so, that he sought and found oc- 
casions for repeating his attendance ; studying, meanwhile, 
various works on the subject of Episcopacy, which he dis- 
covered in the College Library. In the result, he came out 
an Episcopalian, and wrote to his father for permission to 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 23 

become a clergyman of the English Church. Highly indig- 
nant at this proposal, and at the proof which it furnished that 
his favorite son had forsaken the faith of his fathers, he in- 
stantly answered the letter, and threatened that, unless the 
idea were utterly abandoned, he would forever disown him. 
The son remonstrated, sent Episcopal books for his father's 
perusal, and finally had the happiness of seeing both his 
father and all the other members of the family sincere and 
zealous conformists to that very Church, which had at first 
inspired them with such horror, and into the ministry of which 
it was his now gratified wish to enter. After finishing his 
studies at Yale, Roger Viets sailed for England, whence, in 
due time, he returned in Priest's orders, and took charge of 
the Episcopal parish in Simsbury. So scanty, however, was 
the salary, which he received from the Society in England, 
that he was obliged to associate, with his duties as pastor, 
those of a farmer in the summer, and those of a teacher in 
the winter ; in which last capacity he became Tutor to many 
of the children in his neighbourhood ; and, among the rest, 
to his nephew, young Griswold. 

To this man, the Rev. Roger Viets, who will often appear 
in the course of the ensuing memoir, was Bishop Griswold 
more indebted than to any other person, his mother perhaps 
excepted, for his early religious impressions, and for his early 
literary culture. Mr. Viets was instrumental in training 
several, besides his nephew, for the ministry of our Church. 
But, had his influence in this respect been limited to the early 
training of one such mind as that of Griswold, how justly 
might we exclaim : what a stream of healthful influences to 
our Zion has flowed from the fountain-mind of that one little 
boy of thirteen in Yale College! 

The parish Church in Simsbury, of which Mr. Viets be- 
came the minister, is situated about two miles to the southeast 
from the Griswold estate, below the gorge, through which 
the Farmington river passes the Talcot mountains, and on 
their eastern declivity overlooking the valley of the Connec- 
ticut towards Windsor and Hartford. Here, in a sheltered 
and fertile bosom of the hills, the ancient Episcopalians of 



24 MEMOIR OF THE 

Simsbury met for their weekly worship; and here young 
Griswold spent his early Sabbaths, in learning the ways of 
God in his sanctuary. 

The origin of St. Andrew's Church, Scotland, (as the 
neighborhood, in which it is situated, is called, from the fact 
that its early settlers were Scotchmen,) is connected with the 
history of the Simsbury mines. After the failure of Alexan- 
der Viets in his mining speculation, a company from Boston 
undertook, about the year 1740, to work the mines. The agent 
of this company, Mr. James Crozier, was a zealous Episco- 
palian, and through his influence the operatives at the mines 
and many of the neighbors became attached to the Church. 
With these materials for a congregation, Mr. Crozier under- 
took to furnish them with a church. To this end, he inter- 
ested several gentlemen of wealth in Boston, and in New- 
port, R. I., in his object; and succeeded in obtaining funds- 
both for the building of a church edifice, and for the pur- 
chase of a glebe. The original subscription paper, on which 
these funds were pledged, is now in the hands of Ariel 
Mitchelson, the Bishop's brother-in-law. The first Rector 
of this Church was a Rev. Mr. Gibbs from Boston. But, 
as he became slightly deranged for several of the last years 
of his life, Mr. Viets succeeded him before his death, and 
remained Rector till the period of the revolutionary war.* 

* In 1774, the number of Episcopalians in Simsbury was greater than 
that in any other town of Connecticut, with two exceptions, Newtown and 
New Haven; the number in Newtown being 1084; that in New Haven, 
942 ; and that in Simsbury, 914. The other towns, which came nearest to 
Simsbury, were Norwalk, 792; Derby, 725; Stamford, 710; and Walling, 
ford, 626. This early growth of the Church in Simsbury is mainly attri- 
buted to the influence of Mr. James Crozier. 

I found these statistics with others in a report, made by the Rev. Elizur 
Goodrich, Congregational minister in Durham, Ct., Sep. 5, 1774; and con- 
tained in the u minutes of the Convention of delegates from the Synod of 
New York and Philadelphia, and from the Associations of Connecticut, 
held annually from 1766 to 1775 inclusive;" a somewhat curious docu- 
ment, by the way ; which, if I mistake not, contains evidence that the ob- 
ject of the aforesaid Synod and Associations in thus toilfully and accurate- 
ly numbering our Episcopal tribes in their day, was to shew the ground of 
their apprehension, that the growth of the Church was hostile to the spirit 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 25 

The Church has since been rebuilt a few rods from its origi- 
nal site; and thus separated from its ancient grave-yard. In 
this resting place of the dead, stands the monument of Mr. 
Gibbs, which, while the old Church remained, occupied a 
place in the chancel. Long rows of tombstones also, and 
tall monuments mark the family burial places of the Gris- 
wolds, the Pinneys, the Holcombs, the Mitchelsons, and 
others of former days, who, as the highly respectable charac- 
ter of these their memorials in death abundantly testify, 
were all families of note and consideration. As a country 
church-yard, it is in a good state of preservation, and has a 
peculiar interest from the fact of its having been, almost ex- 
clusively, the burial place of the families of an Episcopal 
parish. 

But, to leave this sketch, and return to the family, which 
gives it to us its principal interest ; the most particular no- 
tices, which in his auto-biography, the Bishop gives of his 
parents, are the following : 

" Respect for a parent worthy of being remembered may 
be accepted as some apology for recording a transaction of 
his youthful life, now perhaps unknown to every individual, 
myself excepted. The story of General Putnam and the 
Wolf has often been published and many times related. 
What follows was, in my judgment, not less hazardous, 
wonderful and daring. It was an exploit much talked of 
for years by those, who are now dead and gone, but was 
never committed to writing. 

" Some beast of prey, supposed to be a Catamount, had de- 
stroyed many sheep. According to the custom of those 
days, my father set a large steel-trap to take him. The next 
morning, when he repaired to the spot, the trap was gone, 
evidently dragged away by the animal, which had been 
taken. He followed the track till he entered a wood on the 

of our American liberties both in Church and in State, and favorable to 
the ultimate establishment here of a monarchical government, with a 
legally associated hierarchy. This effort at numbering was systematical- 
ly and extensively made; and seems to have had some influence if not in 
expediting, at least in aggravating, the war of the Revolution. 

C 



.26 MEMOIR OF THE 

side of the mountain. After a search for some time he dis- 
covered under a large rock a den, which, from foot-prints 
and other signs at its mouth, was evidently the abode of 
some large and savage beast. Though alone, he was yet 
without fear. The den, as it was afterwards found, was in- 
habited by a she-bear with six cubs. The entrance was 
narrow, and descended but little from a horizontal direction. 
He had no weapon but a walking-stick ; and yet with this 
alone in his hand, he with some difficulty crawled into the 
den, and soon discovered that the object of his search was 
within. With a view to ascertain whether his trap was there, 
he thrust his staff against the animal, by whose fierce growl, 
and the glare of her eyes, he discovered that it was a bear. 

" He retired from the den ; but the bear, preferring, it seems, 
to guard her young, did not follow him. He immediately 
notified some of his neighbors, with whom and a large hunt- 
ing dog he repaired again to the cave. The dog would not 
enter. My father therefore again crawled in ; and when, as 
he supposed, sufficiently near the bear, fired his gun and re- 
treated. The dog, as though ashamed of his former coward- 
ice, now rushed in, and seizing the bear by the head, drew 
her out. At first, they feared to fire, lest, instead of the 
bear, they should kill the dog. But, no sooner was she 
fairly out of the den, than with her paw she struck the dog 
a blow, which sent him many feet down the steep descent 
of the hill, and then ran off. They fired as she fled ; but 
for that time she escaped. They secured, however, the six 
cubs ; one of which had been killed by the discharge of the 
gun in the den." 

The mountain, mentioned in this account, is that part of 
the Talcot range, upon which the Griswold estate abutted 
to the south, and around which the Farmington sweeps 
through its gorge towards the Connecticut. The surviving 
members of the family in that neighborhood have a tradition 
that the bear, though she escaped at first, yet was afterwards 
taken, and proved to be one of uncommon size. The inci- 
dent is interesting as evincing the bravery of the Bishop's 
immediate ancestor, and the still simple and primitive 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 27 

character of the neighborhood and its inhabitants at the 
time when it happened. 

Of his mother, the Bishop writes thus : a My case so far 
resembled that of Timothy that my mother's name was 
Eunice and my grandmother's, Lois; and that, from both of 
them I received much early religious instruction. By their 
teaching, c from a child I have known the Holy Scriptures, 
which were able (had I rightly used the knowledge) to make 
me wise unto salvation.' To the care of my mother, especial- 
ly, instilling into my tender mind sentiments of piety, with 
the knowledge of Christ and the duty of prayer, I was much 
indebted. Through life, I have sinned much, and in every 
thing have come short of what should have been my im- 
provement from such advantages ; yet, through the Lord's 
merciful goodness, the fear of God, the love of his name and 
a faith in Christ have never been wholly lost." 

A noble record, this, to be added to the many, which 
have been already made, of the value of a mother's early in- 
fluence over the religious character of her children. But, 
I have paused long enough, perhaps too long, amidst the 
circumstances, which mark the natural and the religious 
parentage of the subject of the present memoir. And yet, 
when we are about to trace the course of a pleasant and fer- 
tilizing stream, something may doubtless be pardoned to the 
fondness, that lingers awhile amidst the simple or the strik- 
ing scenery, in which it takes its rise. 



28 MEMOIR OF THE 



THE BISHOP S CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. 



In entering now upon the progress of that life, which it is 
the design of these pages to trace, although the materials for 
this part of my work are not abundant in amount, yet they 
are rich in kind ; and by putting together what the Bishop 
has recorded of this period, and what I have been able to 
collect from those branches of his family, who survive in the 
neighborhood of his birth, we shall obtain a tolerably clear 
idea of this early portion of his life. We may not be able to 
trace the stream through every point in its course ; but we 
shall get sufficiently frequent views of it to mark its general 
direction, and to exhibit its general character. 

From early infancy, he was remarkable for quick intelli- 
gence, an amiable disposition, and a ready apprehension of 
religious truth. Schools were not then, as now, to be found 
in the neighborhood of every Connecticut man's door. But 
his mother, a woman of remarkable intelligence, abundantly 
supplied their place, and was herself the early and the effi- 
cient tutoress of her own children. One of her grand- 
daughters, Mrs. Bright of Northampton, Mass., who spent 
the greater part of her childhood and early youth with her 
grandmother, and who, while her aged relative was in feeble 
health, occupied much of her time in reading to her the 
Bible and other religious books, remarks: "When tired of 
reading, the book was laid aside, and she would frequently 
relate to me anecdotes of the Bishop's childhood, which to 
me were always interesting. I have often heard her say, 
that Alexander could read fluently at three years of age; 
which, at that time, was very remarkable, as few children 
then learned to read before seven or eio-ht. 

o 

" At a very early age, he distinguished himself above the 
other children by his love and clear comprehension of the 
Holy Scriptures. His mother was in the habit of instructing 



LITE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 29 

her children every Sunday evening in the Church Catechism ; 
in which exercise he was remarkable for the readiness of his 
replies, when questioned as to the meaning of any of its 
pails. 

" As an instance of this ; when they were, one evening, re- 
peating that part of the catechism, following the question ; 
1 What desirest thou of God in this prayer ?' in reply to which 
the Old English Prayer-book, then in use, answers among 
other things ; l that he will keep us from all sin and wicked- 
ness and from our ghostly enemy ;' his mother asked, what 
was meant by 'ghostly enemy ?' The older children, whose 
minds, as was common in those days, were filled with stories 
of ghosts and apparitions, misled by the word ghostly, could 
think of no particular ghost, as their enemy, considering the 
whole kingdom of ghosts as inimical to all mortals. They 
were therefore unable to answer the question. But as soon 
as it was put to little Alexander, he immediately replied ; 
'Satan? to the no small astonishment of the rest, who 
wondered how he could possibly have known that. 

u His mother, whom, in person, he strongly resembled, was 
a woman of uncommon energy, dignity and decision of 
character. Though a fond mother and grandmother, she 
was yet a strict disciplinarian. Well do I remember," says 
Mrs. B. " the deep awe and veneration, which filled our 
minds, whenever she entered the room, where we were. 
All noisy play instantly ceased, and we listened in most re- 
spectful silence to every word that fell from her lips: while 
any word, or even look of disapprobation, which we chanced 
to receive, sank deep into our hearts, and was remembered 
for years : for well knew we that it was not given without 
cause. 

"Next to the religious education of her children, she con- 
sidered early habits of. persevering industry, as of the greatest 
importance. All her children were accordingly kept con- 
stantly employed at an age, when most children are con- 
sidered too young to be capable of any employment. As 
early as five, they assisted in various little labors of the farm, 



30 MEMOIR OF THE 

such as gathering fruits and nuts, riding horse at ploughing, 
and other similar engagements. 

" I remember, when myself a very young child, accompa- 
nying my mother on a visit to her and the Bishop's grand- 
mother, (Mrs. Lois Viets) then very aged. In her conversa- 
tion at the time, she cautioned my mother against too great 
rigidness in the management of her children. c Eunice ,' 
she remarked, 'was too severe in her family discipline. 
There was Alexander, as good and amiable a boy as ever 
lived; and yet, how. severe she was with him! whipping 
him for the most trifling transgression, and keeping him every 
moment, when not otherwise employed, knitting, knitting, 
Jmitting P 

" I have since inquired of my mother, what this knitting- 
was? She told me, that, when they were very young, during 
those hours, when they could not be otherwise employed, 
they were kept knitting bone-lace, a kind of netting composed 
of a great variety of stitches, and then very much in use. 
The Bishop and my mother, who was next him in age, be- 
gan knitting this lace when they were not more than five 
years old; and many were the gloves, caps, capes, and 
aprons thus manufactured by their tiny fingers. 

" To the great joy, however, of the little knitters, bone-lace 
soon went out of fashion ; and Alexander was employed in 
occupations more congenial with his tastes. Netting was 
never a favorite employment with him ; and those i trans- 
gressions,' for which, as his indulgent grandmother thought, 
he was so severely punished, were occasional neglects of the 
bone-lace for pursuits of a more active, or a more elevated 
nature. In boyhood he was ever fond of hunting, swim- 
ming, and other athletic sports : but, such was his special 
fondness for reading, that he would frequently, at a very early 
age, leave the other children engaged, in their sports, while 
he stole away to enjoy the pleasure of some favorite book. 
Even then, he would often pass a great part of the night in 
reading, while the rest of the family were asleep." 

Many of the foregoing remarks and incidents, which I 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 31 

have, in substance, from the pen of the Bishop's relative, and 
which come thus directly from his own mother and from the 
sister nearest his own age, are, in my view, highly impor- 
tant. Whether the mothers of our day will take sides with 
the Bishop's mother, or with his grandmother, in the ques- 
tion of discipline, may be a matter of doubt. Or rather, it 
is to be feared, that, so far as the discipline of their children 
is concerned, the mothers of our day become, in spirit, grand- 
mothers too early, by falling into that system of easy indul- 
gence to their offspring, for which our age is too much dis- 
tinguished ; though, in the second motherhood of grand 
dames, it has ever been regarded as a somewhat pardonable 
weakness. But, let this question be decided as it may, no 
one can deny the importance of the principle involved in the 
efforts of the Bishop's mother to form in her children the 
early habit of industry as a matter of duty. Too much time 
is often allowed to children for toys and idle sports ; and too 
little is devoted to the work of forming in them early, useful 
and abiding habits of industry. " It was interesting to me," 
says the Bishop's sensible relative, in connexion with her 
account of this matter, " to learn that the habits of unwearied 
and persevering industry, which so distinguished my uncle 
throughout his whole after life, had so early, though so hum- 
ble an origin." The profits, which accrue from the labors 
of children's hands, are a consideration of no moment to 
many parents : but, the habit, which is thus formed in the 
course of children's lives, of being always engaged in some- 
thing useful as a matter of duty, is to all parents, of incom- 
parably greater value than the most splendid fortunes, which 
they can possibly amass for their heirs. Nothing, in the 
shape of suitable employment for children's hands, can be 
too "humble," though their parents wear titles, when it be- 
comes the fountain-head of future valuable principle, noble 
character and lofty attainment. The boy who knit "bone- 
lace" at five years of age, because his mother taught him 
that it was a duty to be always doing something useful in 
moments, which must otherwise run to waste, or perhaps be 
filled with mischief, was a worthy predecessor to the Bishop, 



32 MEMOIR OF THE 

who afterwards, with unmatched industry, bore, for more 
than thirty years, a the care of all the churches' ' scattered 
over a diocese wide enough for a kingdom. 

What little, in his auto-biography, the Bishop says of this 
early period of his life, corresponds well with the account, 
which has thus been given. It is contained in the following 
paragraphs : 

"I recollect nothing in my childhood and youth more re- 
markable than the rapidity, with which I learned the lessons 
given me. When about four or five years old, I remember 
being often required to read before strangers, who, at that 
day, viewed my forwardness as a great wonderment. In 
about three days after the Greek grammar was first put into 
my hands, I had, without any other teaching, written in 
Greek characters, the first chapter in John's Gospel, inter- 
lined with a literal and verbal translation into Latin. The 
facility with which I obtained a knowledge of the Greek 
language much surprised my teacher. 

" They, who are now young, cannot easily imagine how 
scanty were then the facilities for obtaining knowledge, com- 
pared with the advantages of the present age. And yet, 
there was then, perhaps, as great a proportion of learned 
men as there is now. The labor of overcoming difficulties 
stimulates, and indeed strengthens, the mind. Literature 
and reading are far more general now than then ; especially 
with children and females, who, by the wonderful inventions 
of labor-saving machinery, are in a great degree relieved 
from mere manual labor. But, the reading of the present 
age is comparatively of a lighter sort ; and if more exten- 
sive, is also more superficial. My want of means and op- 
portunities for a more enlarged acquisition of knowledge 
has, through life, been a source of regret ; though this per- 
haps arises from pride, or self-will: for I have had much 
reason for believing that an overruling Providence has con- 
trolled the events of my life. In a remarkable manner has 
an unseen hand frustrated my own plans, designs and 
favorite pursuits, leading me, by a way which I had not fore- 
seen, to a course of life, less, it may be, to my honor in this 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 33 

world, yet more to my usefulness ; and more, as I humbly 
hope, to the securing of ' glory, honor and immortality' in 
a world far better than this. My love of general literature 
in early life was, I fear, a fault, as it diverted my attention 
from things more necessary and more profitable. When a 
child, I preferred a book to any sports, or play ; and, after 
laboring hard through the day, study was more agreeable 
than sleep, through the greater part of the night. Had my 
circumstances been such as to indulge this propensity, I 
might, it is not unlikely, have obtained some celebrity ; but 
my life would probably have been still less useful to the 
world than it has been. For, how many learned men are 
there, whose learning is of little use except that of self-grati- 
fication. Indeed, in many cases, the learning of men renders 
them less useful to society than others, whose attainments are 
yet far more limited. Hours, unnumbered, are devoted to 
reading for mere pleasure, which might be occupied in labors 
far more useful to mankind." 

Perhaps not once in an age, if ever, are we presented with 
an instance of earlier, and more indomitable love of learning 
than that, which was exhibited in the childish subject of 
these pages. This love seemed an inborn passion, which no 
difficulties could restrain ; — a connatural flame, which no 
waters of adverse circumstances could quench. In after life, 
he was remarkable for his habit of silence, even at times 
when he might have been expected to engage in conversa- 
tion. The secret of this seems to have been, and such is the 
impression of the eldest survivors of the family, with whom 
I have had the pleasure of conversation, that his early passion 
for books, fanned by his mother's influence both in her oc- 
casional teachings and in her daily conversation, led him 
into the habit of spending those moments in reading, which 
his companions consumed in the noisy frolicks of their sports. 
He was, even in childhood, too entirely absorbed in the in- 
ward workings of his own mind, and in feeding his insatia- 
ble appetite for knowledge, ever to acquire the art of play- 
ing with words at small- talk. The master passion of his 
childhood, as of his riper years, made him a devotee to 



34 MEMOIR OF THE 

books, and his devotion to books made him taciturn. It 
was as natural for him, when not at work, to have a book 
in his hand, as it was for other boys to break away from their 
work to their play. The very difficulties, which he had to 
encounter in gratifying his fondness for reading, doubtless 
Jielped to confirm through life this early habit of silence 
while others were engaged in conversation. This habit did 
not proceed, as we shall hereafter see, from any inability to 
muster words, wherewith to furnish ready-made and hand- 
some clothing for his thoughts. In short, my inquiries 
amidst the scenes of his childish days, have satisfied me that, 
while he was a bright and beautiful boy of exceedingly quick 
parts, of sweetly amiable tempers, and of merely cultivated 
habits of taciturnity, he could then, as well as in subsequent 
life, whenever he chose to do so, talk like a book, and let 
his words flow like " the running brook ;" and was early re- 
markable for the power of saying pithy and striking, and 
even sharp and witty things. 

It has been observed that his early passion for books met 
with many discouragements and obstacles to its gratification. 
It ought to be remarked that it had also some rather unusual 
stimulants, and helps to its gratification. If he lacked many 
of the advantages enjoyed by children at the present day, it 
must be confessed that he enjoyed others, of which boys in 
general know nothing. There are but few women, of any 
age, who have such a power of inspiring and fostering the 
love, and of communicating and fixing the rudiments, of 
learning, as that which was possessed by the mother of 
Bishop Griswold : nor are there many boys, who find such a 
skilful and indefatigable teacher as he early found in his 
uncle, " the Rev. Roger Viets." 

The period, during which he continued under his mother's 
more special training, extended to the close of his tenth year ; 
covering thus the most important ten years, so far as the for- 
mation of character is concerned, in the life of every man. 
During even this period, however, he enjoyed something of 
the advantages of his uncle's care. 

"There was," says the auto-biography, " one circum- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GKISWOLD. 35 

stance of my life, which I would ever think and speak of 
with thankfulness to God. About the time of my birth, the 
Rev. Roger Viets, my mother's brother, returned from Eng- 
land in Priest's orders, and took charge of the parish in 
which I lived. For several years, he was an inmate in my 
father's family, and for most of the time, till my twentieth 
year, I lived with him. He was an excellent scholar, with 
a rare talent for communicating knowledge toothers." [The 
eldest of the family connexions, now residing in the parish, 
say however that this talent exhibited itself specially in the 
case of those who, like his nephew, had a fondness for learn- 
ing.] "From my childhood, he had a strong partiality for 
me, and was at great pains to instruct me in every thing, 
which he supposed might be useful to me through life ; es- 
pecially in classical knowledge. Even when laboring in 
the field, (for in those days, country clergymen thought it no 
disgrace, or departure from duty, to labor, as did St. Paul, 
for their own temporal support,) when laboring in the field 
together, as we did for hundreds of days, he would still con- 
tinue his instructions." And, as the Bishop has often told 
his worthy companion, who now survives him in her widow- 
hood, many are the Latin lessons, which he has studied by 
taking his book from his pocket, and poring over its con- 
tents, while "riding horse" for his ploughman uncle. 

I have remarked that, till he was ten years old, he re- 
mained under his mother's care. Circumstances like the 
following, which is preserved among the family connexions 
in Simsbury, as an anecdote of his boyhood, may have in- 
fluenced his parents to consent to a change of residence, 
which took place at this period. 

One day, his father sent him to the field with team and 
harrow. Some hours afterwards, upon following him thither, 
he found the team resting by the fence, and young "Alec," 
as the lad was familiarly called, prone on the grass beneath 
the shade, and profoundly absorbed in his book. Of course 
he received a reprimand, notwithstanding the interposition 
of his mother's plea ; "pray, let the boy read, he is so fond 



36 MEMOIR OF THE 

of his books." " Let him read," said his father, " when he 
has nothing else to do : but when I send him to work, let 
him work." 

The circumstances, which attended his change of resi- 
dence, are thus given by his niece, Mrs. Bright, as received 
from her mother, and as confirmatory of the substance of the 
last extract from the auto-biography. 

" His mild and amiable disposition, together with his un- 
common quickness in learning, had made him from infancy 
a favorite with his uncle. He ever considered his nephew 
as a child of remarkable promise ; and becoming deeply in- 
terested in the education of his favorite, he at length re- 
quested the parents to allow Alexander to come and live 
with him, as he would then have more time and better op- 
portunities for directing his studies. They consented ; and 
for a considerable period he resided in his uncle's family, 
and assisted him in the cultivation of his farm ;" [the parish 
glebe.] " He spent the most of every day in the field ; but, 
while thus employed, he was often receiving instruction from 
his uncle ; and exceedingly small was the portion of his time 
allotted exclusively to study." 

This last remark, it is presumed, applies only to the sum- 
mer season ; since, in winter, Mr. Viets, as we have seen, 
exchanged his agricultural occupation for that of instructor 
of a sort of parish school, which young Alexander doubtless 
attended with the other children of the neighborhood. And 
this school, it should be remembered, was the first that he 
had ever attended any where, except under the parental 
roof. There, indeed, the children of the family, when very 
young, used, with some others in the neighborhood, to be 
gathered and instructed by a female teacher in a sort of 
household-school. But, other school than this, and that, 
which he found in his mother's teachings, Alexander never 
attended till he went to live with his uncle. 

"While thus under the special charge of Mr. Viets, his 
profiting was manifest to all. His progress in the Latin and 
Greek languages was remarkable ; while, in Mathematics he 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 37 

so highly distinguished himself that there was no boy in all 
Simsbury, who was his superior, and but one, who was con- 
sidered his equal. 

Mr. Viets, as a fine scholar, had indulged his taste in col- 
lecting one of the largest and best selected libraries, then 
known in those parts. He was also keeper of the parish 
library, a collection of considerable value, w"hich seems to 
have been made when the parish was first organized and 
endowed by the zeal and liberality of Mr. Crozier and the 
gentlemen of Boston and Newport. Of both these libraries, 
young Alexander had the unrestricted use, so long as his 
uncle remained in the States ; and among their rich contents 
gratified his love of reading, whenever he had a moment's 
leisure from either labor or the studies of the school. The 
parish library still remains, though much diminished by use 
and losses ; while that of his uncle has been scattered ; the 
best of his books being taken with him on his removal to 
Nova Scotia ; and the remainder sold. 

What the earliest tastes of young Griswold were, so far as 
his love of books sought favorite indulgence, may be seen 
from the following; which I take, in substance, from the 
account of his niece ; tantamount, as we have seen, to the 
testimony of his mother and sister. 

"Works of imagination seem to have been his favorite 
reading at that age. He was extremely fond of plays, par- 
ticularly those of Shakspeare. The acting of plays was then 
an occasional chosen amusement with the children of the 
neighborhood ; and, at the early age of seven, Alexander per- 
formed the part of page in c Fair Rosamond,' to the great 
admiration of all the spectators. When older, he still re- 
tained a fondness for these juvenile exhibitions ; and, at the 
age of fifteen, acted the part of Zanga, in Dr. Young's Re- 
venge. His performance was so striking as to call forth 
bursts of applause from his audience, which consisted of the 
greater part of the inhabitants of Simsbury. Many years 
since that time, I have heard the aged people of the neighbor- 
hood speak of that performance as surpassing any thing of 
the kind, which they had ever witnessed ; especially in ' the 

D 



38 MEMOIR OF THE 

death scene,' as they called it. c No actor in the American 
company,' (the name of a dramatic corps at that time per- 
forming in Hartford,) said they, \ could compare with him.' " 

This, to such as have known Bishop Griswold only as a 
Bishop, will be a new, and doubtless an unexpected aspect 
of his early character, tastes and capabilities. That the boy, 
who afterwards grew up into the peculiarly grave, chastened 
and holy man of God, should have had such an early fond- 
ness for the drama, and have been able to electrify even a 
country audience by the force of his acting, has been even 
to the present writer a matter of surprise ; although I have 
long been aware of the deep love of poetry and of the deep 
and true power of sentiment, which lay concealed, even till 
old age, among the rudiments of his rich nature, and which 
were kept hidden there by the restraints of high and holy 
principle. 

Nevertheless, we shall err, if we suppose that the trait in 
his character, now in view, was ever allowed to exert much 
influence over the main course of his pursuits, or to inter- 
fere injuriously with the serious and religious purposes and 
convictions of his early days. For it is of this very period 
of his life, between seven and fifteen, that he speaks in the 
following interesting paragraphs of the auto-biography. 

" I have had, from a child, a belief and trust in God's 
overruling providence, which orders every thing for the best, 
and makes ' all things work together for good to them that 
love Him.' Of this belief and trust I am far from boasting: 
for in truth, and with shame I acknowledge that I have, in 
many things erred and strayed from his righteous ways : yea ; 
a thousand times have I wondered that blessings unnumbered 
should be continued to a creature so ungrateful and so un- 
worthy. It was through His blessing that I was enabled to 
gain knowledge, in almost any branch which I pursued, with 
more than ordinary rapidity : and, while I, (vainly perhaps) 
felt a confidence that when, as for some years I expected, I 
should become a student at Yale College, none would go be- 
fore me, it was He, who designed for me what I now believe 
to be better things." 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 39 

Again : " I had an early experience of the comforts of re- 
ligious hope : how well founded it is not necessary now to 
inquire. At the age of about ten years," (probably just be- 
fore he went to live with his uncle Viets,) " I was reduced 
by distressing sickness to the verge of the grave, and for 
several hours was supposed to be dying. Never can I for- 
get with what lively hope and joy unspeakable, amidst great 
bodily sufferings, I looked forward to the blessedness of the 
heavenly state. Should it please the Lord at the time, now 
near at hand, when I shall be at the point to die, to vouch- 
safe me the like peace and joy in believing, how could I 
worthily magnify his name ! Had I then died, it would not 
probably, by any one now riving, be remembered or known 
that such a person ever existed. So soon are we forgotten 
here ! But c the righteous shall be had in everlasting remem- 
brance.' Whether it had been better for me to have died 
then, God only knows. He had, it seems, a work for me to 
do. While parental affection, with distressing anxiety, was 
watching for the last breath, an ulcer broke within ; and 
from that time I gradually recovered. Several times since, 
has my life been very providentially preserved ; and in two 
instances especially, seemingly almost by miracle, have I 
been rescued from death. A life so preserved should have 
been more faithfully devoted to Him who gave it." 

Who can read these simple and unaffected records, (made 
in his latest years) of his earliest life, without feeling that, in 
the little boy, whose history they help to sketch, the world 
was then unconsciously looking upon a being who was to 
become, if one of its most unobtrusive, yet also one of its 
richest blessings ; a character, which from the first, God was 
preparing for uncommon usefulness, — and even for uncom- 
mon honor ! 

His early expectation of entering Yale College was frus- 
trated by events hereafter to be mentioned. But, in explana- 
tion of his remark ; that, in that disappointment, God de- 
signed for him " better things ;" I insert here a paragraph, 
which I find among some loose slips of paper, left in con- 



40 MEMOIR OF THE 

nexion with the auto-biography, and evidently designed for 
its pages, had he lived to finish the invaluable fragment : 

" Respecting my proposed passage through a College 
course, I was the more contented without it, from having 
been frequently assured by several graduates of Yale, that 
my attainments were superior to those of the majority, who 
obtain diplomas. Indeed, the deficiencies, which I could 
not but perceive in many of them, caused me then to doubt 
whether such public education was much to be preferred to 
one more private." 

Had he entered that institution it is not to be supposed 
that he would have proceeded thence " a graduated dunce:" 
on the contrary, it may well be believed, that he would have 
fully realized the dream, which, in his fond, boyish ambi- 
tion, he cherished, of finding none, "who could go before 
him." Still, considering the imperfect state of our institu- 
tions in that mid-revolutionary infancy of our literature and 
science, the doubt may perhaps be considered well founded, 
whether his advantages in College would have been so far 
superior, as some are in the habit of thinking, to those which 
he enjoyed under the special tutorship of his devoted and 
accomplished relative, and amidst the rich treasures of his 
choice and carefully selected library. 

But, the last extract from the auto-biography is chiefly 
valuable for the view, which it gives of young Griswold's 
early religious character. It is indeed true that, when speak- 
ing of the comforts of religious hope, which he then enjoyed, 
he adds : " How well founded , it is not necessary now to 
inquire ;" it is also possible that he intended to be under- 
stood as thereby intimating his own mature doubt whether, 
at that time, he had any very clear views of the ground, on 
which a true Christian hope must be based ; and it is more- 
over probable that we shall, in the further progress of the 
memoir, see reason for believing that, at a much later period 
of his life, his views of what constitutes personal religion 
underwent, if not a radical change, at least a very important 
enlargement ; making him in his preaching and ministerial 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 41 

influence what otherwise he never could have become. 
Still, it cannot but be seen that, even at that early period, 
God was dealing with him as with " a chosen vessel unto 
himself," and laying the foundations of a future character of 
uncommon ripeness and excellence in every Christian grace. 

Of the sickness, to which he alludes, and in which he 
tasted so early of heavenly things, I received the following 
account during my visit to the place of his nativity. 

One summer, in harvest time, when Alexander was be- 
tween ten and eleven years of age, as he was at work in 
harvesting a field of rye, and, boy-like, was playing with a 
head of the bearded grain in his mouth, one of the elder 
harvesters was entertaining the company with a specimen of 
those numberless humorous stories, with which New Eng- 
land laborers are so familiar, but which never sound well 
save from their own mouths. Its effect, as usual in such 
cases, was to throw them all into a roar of laughter ; and 
Alexander, in particular, was so convulsed with the par- 
oxysm, that he unconsciously drew into his lungs the barbed 
play-thing, with which his mouth was amusing itself. He 
was immediately seized with a violent cough, followed by 
all the symptoms of a rapid consumption. At last, scarcely 
a ray of hope for his recovery remained ; and wdiat added to 
the affecting character of his trial w T as the fact, that his 
mother was every hour expecting to give birth to another 
child, while his father was lying sick at his side, of a fever, 
caught by swimming his horse across the river after a freshet, 
and w T as not likely to recover. In this extremity of domestic 
anxiety and distress, the loved boy apparently at the very 
" point to die," — his physician announced that but one thing, 
so far as human means were concerned, could save his life ; 
that this one thing was an emetic ; and that even this, so 
weak had he become, might instantly kill ! His mother de- 
cided that it should be administered ; and having seen the 
perilously kind office done, she took leave at once of both 
husband and son, prepared never to see either of them again 
in this world : for she felt that her own hour of trial was 
upon her, and there was no probability that either of those, 

D* 



42 MEMOIR OF THE 

to whom she bade "farewell," would survive till the period, 
when, if her own life was spared, she would again be able 
to leave her room. Scarcely, however, had she quit the 
apartment of the invalids, when Alexander, suffering under 
the sickening effects of the emetic, and supposing that his 
time to die was indeed come, called earnestly for his mother 
again at his bed-side. She returned. Vomiting immediately 
ensued ; and the effort which it required broke an ulcer in 
his lungs, the discharge of which brought up the fretting 
cause of all his danger. " Now, dear mother," said the 
fond sufferer, " I shall get well. I feel relieved" (putting 
his hand on his heaving bosom,) " of this dreadful distress !" 

Suffice it to say : so it proved. From that hour, both 
Alexander and his father began to amend ; and, ere morning, 
his new-born sister Deborah augmented still further the hap- 
piness of the once more rejoicing family. The head of rye, 
when thrown from his lungs, had at its lower end a silicious 
formation, of the size and shape of a pea ; and was, with its 
irritating beards, at least two inches in length. His mother, 
for years, preserved it in a vial ; and his surviving sisters in 
Simsbury remember well to have seen it as an object of 
special care, and a memento of peril providentially escaped. 

Previously to this incident, he had enjoyed a remarkably 
vigorous and robust constitution ; but, for some time after, 
he wore the appearance of a consumptive child. Gradually, 
however, the cough and all its attendant symptoms of emacia- 
tion, paleness and languor, yielded, and he eventually re- 
covered, so far as his bodily frame in general was concerned, 
all the hardiness and uncommon vigor, to which it had at 
first been heir, and for which it continued even till death so 
remarkable. And yet, it is not probable that his lungs and 
organs of speech ever recovered their full natural tone and 
strength. Hence, probably, that weakness of voice, of which 
the Bishop in a subsequent part of his auto-biography speaks, 
and which others have so often remarked. Hence, possibly, 
the later difficulties with the organs of speech, to which he 
was subject. And hence, finally, it may have been, that his 
native passion for reading and study was the more readily 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 43 

indulged by his parents, till it took the lead in shaping for 
him the course and destiny of his future life : for, from this 
time it was that, till his twentieth year, he became the special 
pupil as well as favorite of his uncle Viets, 

At the period, of which I have now been speaking, the 
opening of the eleventh year of young Griswold's life, our 
revolutionary war had already broken out ; and the day, 
which sealed before heaven and earth our destiny as a new 
and mighty nation, the 4th of July 1776, doubtless lay close 
beside that on which happened the harvest-incident just re- 
corded. What a change upon every thing, save the rivers 
and the plains, " the everlasting hills" and the overbending 
skies, of this land, has been wrought by the issues of that 
our national birth-struggle ! It was a change, which passed 
not only over our government and laws, our commerce and 
arts, our literature and science, our institutions of religion, 
and our state of society, — but also over man himself. 
Whether this great change, affecting thus deeply every thing 
human in the midst of us, was for the better or for the worse, 
is perhaps a question, the answer to which lies yet, at least 
in part, among the unborn secrets of the future. Looking, 
however, at what has already been developed, and especially 
at the truth, that all great events constitute an essential part 
of the general purposes for good of Him who is Ruler of 
worlds, — we can hardly doubt that what is to " work together 
for good" to his people, is also to work out a lofty destiny to 
our nation, and lasting benefits to the world. But, leaving 
this point to the future commentaries of time, it cannot be 
otherwise than interesting to us to trace the change, which 
the war of the revolution wrought in shaping, for us and for 
the Church of Christ, the life and destiny in this world of the 
subject of the present memoir. 

Before entering, however, upon this part of our work, and 
to prevent interruption, after having once begun, it may be 
well to record here an affecting incident of a more private 
character, which occurred during the war, though in no way 
connected with its progress. 

The cold winter of 1779-80 is still fresh in the memories 



44 MEMOIR OF THE 

of many, and will never be forgotten till our history ceases to 
be read. At this time young Griswold was scarce fourteen 
years old. And yet, on the morning of what proved to be 
the famous " cold Friday" of that coldest of winters, he 
started from his uncle Viets' house for Hartford, with a load 
of wood on an ox-sled for the purpose of purchasing, as it 
w r as then customary to do in that way of barter, some little 
comforts for the season. Some of the survivors in the family 
have a tradition that this " cold Friday," occurred in the 
month of December, just before Christmas day ; and that the 
object of this Visit to Hartford was, the purchase of those 
trifling luxuries, in the simple enjoyment of which it was 
then customary to indulge as often as the Christmas festival 
returned. But, whether this tradition be correct as to the 
date and object of the expedition, I have not at hand the 
means of determining. It is enough that the winter and day 
of the week are ascertained. 

On the morning then of the cold Friday of that coldest of 
winters, this lad of scarce fourteen started from the parsonage 
of his uncle, with a slow-moving ox-team, for the town of 
Hartford, lying at the distance of ten miles from his point of 
departure. It was extremely cold when he left home ; but 
during the day, the cold continued to increase in intensity. 
The snow had fallen deep and driftingly ; and as the day- 
wore off, every thing assumed the finished aspect of profound, 
horrid winter. Mean while his mother, aware of his visit, 
was filled with distressing fears for his safety, and repeatedly 
through the day expressed her apprehensions that he would 
freeze to death on his return across the then lonely plains, 
which stretched for six or eight miles, with scarcely a human 
habitation, between the eastern base of the hills, and the 
approaches to Hartford. Night drew on, but without tidings 
of his return ; and, as its cold shadows fell increasingly on 
the dreary wastes around, her anxiety deepened into distress : 
for, by this time the weather had become severe beyond any 
thing in the memory of the oldest inhabitants of the town. 
Time after time had she sent a messenger to his uncle's for 
tidings, beseeching him not to leave her a moment in sus- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 45 

pense in case of his safe arrival. At length, deep darkness 
reigned ; yet he came not. Seven, eight o'clock passed ; 
but still, no tidings from the lad. All domestic occupation 
now stood still, and one feeling of distressing alarm seized 
and painfully united the whole household of hearts. The 
only movement witnessed was the frequent and instinctive 
gliding of some one to the door, to listen in strained eager- 
ness for the sound of some approaching footstep. For one 
long, long hour, however, no such sound caught the ear of 
the listeners. At last, nine o'clock came, and with it, his 
uncle ; yet he came pale, and almost speechless from agita- 
tion. It was some minutes before he could summon com- 
posure enough to tell them that the team had come home, 
but — without Alexander ! The feelings of the family at this 
announcement may be imagined, but not described. " Oh! 
never can I forget the horrors of that night, and the agony of 
his mother!" were the words of his still surviving sister, by 
whom the substance of this account was given ; " And never, 
even after the lapse of so many years, have I heard any 
member of the family speak without tears of the events, with 
which that night was filled;" is the remark of his neice, 
through whom the account was communicated. 

One moment was given to agony. The next was filled 
with action. His father and uncle instantly set out in search 
of him, determined, in their anxiety for the loved and (too 
likely) lost-one, to brave the fiercest terrors that could rage 
round the dark, cold heart of even such a winter's night. 
As they issued forth through the neighborhood, sounding 
their alarm as they went, between forty and fifty stout hearts 
like theirs, of men and boys, answered the call by joining in 
their search. Many of them carried lanterns, and all wore 
watchful eyes. As the snow was deep and much drifted, 
the fear was that he had missed the track amidst the dark- 
ness, and perhaps lay benumbed at a distance from the road. 
In all directions, therefore, they scoured the plain in their 
toilful and distressing search ; but, of its object they could 
neither see nor hear a sign or a sound. As they approached 
Hartford, they inquired at every house, but still without any 



46 MEMOIR OF THE 

tidings from him whom they sought. At length, however, 
at a tavern about a mile from town, they learned that, just 
before dark, he had stopped there to warm, and had com- 
plained of suffering extremely from the cold. 

Their worst forebodings seemed now confirmed ; and they 
returned across the plain, renewing their search with a feel- 
ing of almost certainty that he must have perished. " On 
they fared" over the dark and dreary tract, with a search, 
like the former, utterly fruitless : till, at length, one of the 
party recollected a small house, which stood at some distance 
from the road, towards the northwestern edge of the plain, or 
that nearest home, and which, in their downward progress, 
they had forgotten to visit. Thither they instantly repaired, 
and there, to their joy, they found him, still living! He had 
arrived at about eight in the evening ; but so penetrated with 
the cold, that, upon approaching the fire, he fell senseless to 
the floor ; and, for some time, the only occupants of the house, 
a very old man and his wife, supposed him dead. After a 
while, however, by the use of such means as were at their 
command, and of such skill as they possessed, they succeeded 
in restoring him to consciousness. But it was impossible for 
him to proceed any farther that night ; and as the aged people 
had no one, by whom they could send tidings to his friends, 
they with their now recovered guest, had retired to bed, and 
were quietly sleeping, when the party in search of him arrived. 
For a long time, however, he suffered the effects of the 
severity of that dreadful night ; and " the cold Friday" lived 
vividly in his remembrance till his dying day. 

This, doubtless, is one of the two special instances, which 
the Bishop mentions, of his having been, as if by almost a 
miracle, rescued from death ! With the other we shall meet 
as we pass on through his coming history. 

From this incident in 1779-80 let us now return to the 
period of the breaking out of the war, and trace, as far as we 
may, the influence of that event over the life and fortunes of 
young Griswold. The time has come, when we may speak 
calmly, and without fear of reproach, of those, who, in that 
day of various trial, stood aloof from the conflict, and com- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 47 

posedly met the bitter, burning scorn of the mass, whose 
feelings, glowing like a furnace amidst the intense heat of 
the struggle, could not brook the presence of men without 
sympathy in the ardors of their enthusiasm. Though some, 
who then wore the stigma of Toryism, doubtless deserved the 
severities meted out to them, yet many, who bore the mark, 
were men of lofty principle and acted in obedience to the high 
behests of an incorruptibly religious conscience. Whether they 
were right or wrong in the view, which they took of the princi- 
ple involved in the doctrine of revolution, is not here the 
question. They believed they were right ; and in obedience to 
their belief, multitudes of them chose neutrality with persecu- 
tion, in preference to a violation of an honest conscience with 
the popularity which such a sacrifice might have won them. 
That was, on all sides, a day of stern principle to an extent, 
which we of the present age are scarce capable of appreciat- 
ing ; and the remark was quite as true of the suffering men 
here designated as of those, by whom their sufferings were 
inflicted. That they suffered in the stand, which they took, 
was perhaps unavoidable. Even the noble spirit, which 
fired the breasts of our revolutionary fathers, it may be, could 
not be expected to do full justice to those, whose attitude 
was aloof from the stern strife of the day. And yet, it had 
been a sweeter thought in after times, had they allowed such 
to stand unmolested so far as they stood not in the act of re- 
sistance to the general movement. To the Episcopalians of 
that time, and especially to most of their clergy, the foregoing 
remarks have an application, the truth and value of which it 
were high injustice to deny them. 

Among such were Roger Viets and the father of Bishop 
Griswold ; who, through the seven years of our labor for In- 
dependence, planted themselves on the ground of what they 
believed to be duty to God and their king, and stood out in 
strict, though not unsuffering neutrality, till the return of 
peace. Of the position occupied by them and by others like 
them, the auto-biography takes the following notice. 

"At that time, the Episcopal clergy of Connecticut," 
(and it might have been added, of other parts of the country,) 



48 MEMOIR OF THE 

" received their pecuniary support chiefly from the Society 
in England for the propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts. 
From this consideration, but especially from that higher one, 
involved in their oath to the British Government, they had 
very conscientious scruples, how soon and how far they 
might lawfully, or according to the doctrines of Christ, unite 
in the struggle of the States for Independence. Most of 
them endeavored to remain neutral; resolved to take no 
active part in the contest, and so, to await the event. This, 
of course, caused them to be suspected of favoring the Eng- 
lish, and of being unfriendly to the cause of liberty. They 
were closely watched, and some of them suffered what they 
considered as persecution." 

As an instance of the manner, in which not only the clergy, 
but others of the Church were thus " watched," I may here 
insert the account given me, on my visit to Simsbury, of the 
proceedings against Bishop Griswold's father. 

For a time, this worthy man was arraigned almost daily 
before the Committee of Vigilance, and straightly questioned 
as to the most common actions of his life. But such was his 
great and exemplary prudence that nothing was ever found 
against him. The committee therefore contented themselves 
with forbidding him to go beyond the limits of his own farm. 
This, however, as his farm was something of a little territory, 
and gave him space for exercise ; but particularly, as he was 
proverbially a home-keeping man, and seldom left his farm, 
save of a Sunday for Church, was practically no great hard- 
ship. Indeed, leaving the principle, involved, out of view, 
it was no hardship at all, except that, for a season, it abridged 
his religious privileges. 

Mr. Viets, however, being a public man, and more closely 
associated, in public opinion, with the interests of the royal 
cause, was not only more closely watched, but also more 
rigorously treated. Of his case, the auto-biography thus 
speaks. 

" My uncle was naturally of a very kind and charitable 
disposition ; and to the suffering was ever ready to extend 
relief. It happened that, at midnight, (in what year of the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 49 

war, I forget,) some men, who, as it afterwards appeared, 
were endeavoring to elude pursuit, called at his house and 
asked for charitable aid. Lodging, he dared not give them. 
Food he could not refuse. Of this charitable deed, some 
circumstances led the authorities into a suspicion ; and being 
accused of it, he would not deny what he had done, though 
no sufficient evidence of the fact appeared, or could be 
brought against him. For that act of benevolence, which, 
as he believed, the law of God required, he was condemned 
to be imprisoned, and was many months confined in jail at 
Hartford. 

a In what cases it is justifiable for the people, who live 
under a lawful government, to rise, contrary to law, in op- 
position to the tyrannical, or oppressive conduct of rulers ; 
this is often a very difficult question, and one, for the decision 
of which no general rule can be given. It is not strange 
that men should disagree in their judgment, and in their con- 
duct, respecting a point so debatable. Such is the fault of 
our common nature, that, in such case, they are more likely 
to be influenced by self-interest, or self-will, than by princi- 
ples of right and of religion, or by the love of the public 
good." 

The first trace of the influence of the war over, the events 
in the life of young Griswold, appears in the following para- 
graph of the auto -biography. 

" Though it was my expectation in childhood and youth, 
to go through a regular coarse of collegiate studies, yet such 
was the pressure of the times, and so much was my father, 
with his large family of eight children, straightened by the 
taxes and fines imposed on him, that it was by my uncle 
thought best that I should be prepared for the Senior class, 
and so, merely to obtain a degree, spend but one year in 
College. Even this purpose however was, by subsequent 
events, frustrated." 

What these subsequent events were we shall soon see, and 
how they still further influenced the events of his life. The 
termination of the war was at hand ; and the great question 
was to be decided ; what would become of those clergy of 

E 



50 MEMOIR OF THE 

the English Church, -who had not favored the revolution, and 
whose principles and tastes were not such as to relish its re- 
sult. The decision of this question bore directly on the case 
of Mr. Viets ; and the step, by which he decided it, led to the 
early marriage and almost to the self-expatriation of his 
nephew, from the land of his birth. 

" After the conclusion of the peace," (continues the auto- 
biography,) " when the British Government had acknowl- 
edged the Independence of these United States, the salaries, 
which our clergy had received from England, were discon- 
tinued ; and as they had depended chiefly on that missionary 
aid for the support of their families, they were now suddenly 
left almost destitute. Their parishioners, indeed, soon began 
to make provision for their relief ; but it was not adequate to 
the sustaining of even their accustomed humble style of living. 
Under these circumstances, in compassion of their wants, 
and in consideration of their fidelity, the Propagation Society 
offered to continue, and even to increase their stipends on 
condition of their removing into the British dominions, where 
parishes were assigned them. My uncle, after several 
months of deliberation, consented, as did several others, to 
make the change. His great partiality for me made him very 
unwilling to leave me behind ; and he accordingly urged me 
much, and most kindly, to accompany him. Such a change 
on my part, requiring me to leave my native land for a 
foreign province, and to abandon the pleasant and fertile 
valleys of Connecticut for a new settlement in so cold and 
unpromising a country as Nova Scotia, was, to me, dis- 
agreeable, and seemed also unwise. Still, such was my 
great regard for my uncle, that I finally consented to ac- 
company him, and to share his fortunes, as I had shared his 
favor. But, here a difficulty arose. I was, even at that 
early age, engaged in affection to the daughter of one of my 
neighbors, whose name was Elizabeth Mitchelson. Separa- 
tion was to us both a painful thought. Yet we were too 
young to be married : as I was but little past nineteen, and 
she more than two years younger than myself. Neverthe- 
less, it was finally agreed that I should wholly relinguish my 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 51 

purpose of entering College, that we should be married, and 
that both should accompany my uncle's family to Digby, the 
place of his expected settlement in Nova Scotia. Our 
marriage accordingly took place the latter part of the year 
1785." 

Well might he say in subsequent life ; " In a remarkable 
manner has an unseen hand frustrated my own plans and 
designs." This very marriage, which was intended to in- 
sure, proved the occasion of preventing, his contemplated 
removal from the States. His account continues : 

" In 1786, my uncle visited and passed the summer in 
his new parish ; returning in the autumn to Connecticut. 
While he was absent, I lived in his family and had charge of 
his temporal affairs. The next year, he removed to Nova 
Scotia with his family, and one of my sisters, then quite 
young, accompanied them. But, in the mean time, my wife's 
parents had made inquiries respecting Digby and its climate ; 
the result of which was such unfavourable views of the 
country that they were unwilling their daughter should go 
thither. Their opposition was so serious that I finally 
yielded to their feelings and remained behind. 

" Thus, a second time, was frustrated my plan of life. 
My early marriage, however imprudent in itself it may seem, 
was undoubtedly, in the hand of Providence, the occasion 
of preventing my settlement in a foreign and unpleasant land. 
What, in the event of my purposed removal, would have 
been my life and fortune, and whether I should have been 
more or less useful in the world, God only knows. I view 
the circumstance just recorded as a happy event, and desire 
to be duly thankful that my removal was prevented. 

" In justice to my uncle's memory, I may here speak of 
his deep obligation, (often and feelingly expressed,) to the 
kind hospitality of Dr. (afterwards Bishop) Parker, of Trinity 
Church, Boston, and his amiable lady, as he several times 
passed through that city in going to Digby and returning. 
In 1789, I accompanied my uncle as far as Boston on his 
third passage to Digby. We spent one Sunday in Boston. 
In the morning, we attended Christ Church, where the Rev. 



52 MEMOIR OF THE 

Tillotson Bronson was then officiating instead, (if I mistake 
not,) of the Rev. Mr. Montague, who was absent on a visit to 
England. We dined at Dr. Parker's, where I was first in- 
troduced to him and Mrs. Parker, a very beautiful lady. In 
the afternoon we were at Trinity Church, and heard the 
Doctor preach." 

In the incidents, which have just been narrated, terminat- 
ed the more immediate influence of the war upon the events 
of Mr. Griswold's life. That influence resulted in defeating 
his plan in favor of the customary residence in College, and 
in precipitating him into an early marriage, which, however 
much he might then have desired to postpone it, proved as 
happy for himself as it did auspicious to our Church. 

The period of youth, now closed, was to him one of 
severe discipline amidst rugged toils both of body and of 
mind ; and, what is perhaps of more importance, this discip- 
line came amidst the daily influences of stern virtue and 
lofty principle in others, put continually to the proof under 
the pressure and the scrutiny of one of the most thoroughly 
energizing conflicts, that have ever acted on the characters 
of either individuals or communities. Trained in such a 
school, his whole constitution both of body and of mind, be- 
came remarkably hardy, inured to labor and to suffering, and 
capable of any effort and of any endurance, to which, in the 
vicissitudes of coming life, he might be called ; while, at the 
same time, his character became a rare combination of incor- 
ruptible honesty, inflexible integrity and immovable firmness, 
with the most unaffected modesty, the most inartificial sim- 
plicity, and the most unblemished purity. Some, indeed, 
have supposed that there was in his nature a yielding amia- 
bleness incompatible with firmness and decision. But such 
did not know him. He was, it is true, most amiable in his 
disposition, and, within certain limits, and on questions of 
mere expediency or personal convenience, yielding perhaps 
even to a fault. But, on questions of principle, conscience, 
duty, no man was ever more decided or more firm than he. 
On any such question, whoever attempted to influence, to 
move, to change him, found in him a Dentatus, with his back 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 53 

against the rock of his own convictions, incapable of retreat, 
and ready to sell his life dearly in defence of truth and right. 

Of his attainments in knowledge during the first nineteen 
years of his life, it is difficult to speak with precision. Those 
years, as we have seen, were not spent, like the correspond- 
ing years of many others, in the public walks of learning, in 
the contests of the schools, and in association with living 
men famous in the world of letters ; scenes, where genius, 
scholarship and taste win their triumphs, wreath them- 
selves in the laurels of fame, and gain for their academic 
escutcheons an early emblazonry. On the contrary, they 
were years spent in most simple retirement, in laborious oc- 
cupation, and in little more than midnight devotions at the 
shrine of knowledge ; in measuring himself, intellectually, 
with himself alone ; or, in making a ploughman's field the 
only palaestra of his scholarship, and the ploughman himself 
his sole intellectual wrestler. And yet, we cannot but think 
highly of his attainments even at that period, if we reflect, 
that, while laboring in agricultural pursuits with others of his 
age and family, and for as many hours as they, he had, at 
the time of his unexpectedly early marriage, qualified himself 
for entering the Senior class of Yale College, and, in addition 
to all this, read almost every volume in the valuable library 
of his uncle Viets ! What results in scholarship would not 
such a mind, with such indomitable habits of industry, have 
achieved, had his whole time been devoted to the gratifica- 
tion of his one insatiable desire ! 

I have somewhere read the remark that there was seldom, 
if ever, a great man, who did not attempt, at some period or 
other of his life, to write poetry. The attempt does not, in- 
deed, prove greatness ; nor does greatness always insure suc- 
cess in the attempt. Still, the remark is probably in a good 
measure conformable to fact. Mr. Griswold, at the age, of 
which I have been speaking, was not great because he at- 
tempted to write poetry ; nor were his attempts at this species 
of composition the best proofs of his power. And yet, like 
most other minds, capable of entering into the true spirit of 
poetry, he was in youth fond of amusing himself in this way. 



54 MEMOIR OF THE 

He had an early and ready wit, which he used frequently to 
express in poetry of a playfully satiric cast ; — and many, of 
both sexes, were the companions of his boyhood, who felt 
the power of his humorous pen ; though I believe he never 
either made an enemy, or lost a friend by the exercise of 
that power. All his early poetical compositions have long 
since been destroyed, or preserved in those memories only, 
from which he could not erase them. Even to old age, how- 
ever, his talent for poetical satire was never lost, albeit he 
never gave it exercise, save in an occasional impromptu, 
uttered in his most withdrawn moments, when there was but 
one trusty ear on earth to listen. In poetry, his pen seems 
never to have been used after his entrance into the ministry, 
except in short, serious strains, chiefly lyrical, or devotional. 
Of these, but few specimens have been preserved ; exhibit- 
ing, however, a tenderness of sentiment, a liveliness of fancy, 
and a fervor of holiness, which irresistibly excite the wish, 
that he had attempted, as I think he was unquestionably 
able, to contribute somewhat to our present store of those 
songs for the Sanctuary, which never die. 

Of his religious character, at this period, it will not be 
necessary to speak at large. It will be sufficient to say, that, 
in its elements, it was distinctly formed and deeply fixed ; 
and that, although it waited those fuller developments, which 
it was to receive from God's special dealings with him, yet 
there could be no mistaking the main direction, which it had 
assumed. His bias towards the ministry was early ; all his 
studies, as he advanced in life, were more and more exclu- 
sively drawn that way ; and although, as we shall see, there 
was a period during which all immediate views to the min- 
istry were abandoned, yet even then his reading was such 
as to increase his stock of qualifications for the sacred office. 
It is the less necessary to dwell here on the peculiarities of 
his religious character, inasmuch as these will be constantly 
presenting themselves in the course of the memoir, and will 
appear as a continually unfolding point to the eye of careful 
attention. 

Hitherto, we have seen him only as an object of peculiarly 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 55 

tender affection, ever watchful care, and well applied private 
instruction, from the natural friends and guardians of his 
youth, especially from his kind and devoted uncle. Hereafter, 
we are to see him cast alone, as it were, on the world, with 
naught but Providence for his guide, and his own energies 
as his stimulus ; left, at a very early age, in the care of a 
growing family, — to buffet the stormy waves of life, and to 
struggle, both for subsistence and for usefulness, against 
difficulties such as rarely beset youthful enterprise. Many, 
and disastrous, no doubt, were the changes wrought in the 
temporal fortunes and destinies of those, who were just step- 
ping upon the stage of action, as the war of our revolution 
closed. Few, it is believed, were better fitted, whether by 
native constitution, or by early discipline, to meet those 
changes manfully, and to struggle through them safely, than 
the subject of the present narrative. 



56 MEMOIR OF THE 



FROM THE BISHOP'S MARRIAGE TO HIS ORDINATION AS PRESBYTER. 

Of this portion of Mr. Griswold's life, I have been able 
to obtain few notices, other than those, which he has himself 
left in the auto-biography. These, therefore, with such 
facts, or reflections, as they may suggest, and the very scanty 
additional gleanings, which I have made in walking over 
the field of effort, which he then tilled and harvested and 
left, — are all that will detain us from the later and more pub- 
lic scenes, in which he appeared and acted. His account of 
this period thus opens : 

"After my uncle's final removal in 1787, I was for some 
time, undecided what course to follow. Some years pre- 
vious, I had considered myself as designed for the Christian 
ministry. But, now, having no longer his aid and his library, 
I relinquished, for several years, the thought of applying for 
holy orders ; and for some time deliberated with myself, and 
consulted with my friends, on the question ; what course of 
life I should pursue. They recommended the study of the 
law. I remember, that, when a lad, my companions used 
familiarly to call me, ' the lawyer ;' from a habit, which I 
then had, of arguing and disputing on various questions and 
subjects. With the recommendation of my friends, therefore, 
I so far complied as to read law, some part of my time, for 
two or three years ; not, however, with the design of apply- 
ing for admission to the bar ; but partly from a liking to the 
study, and chiefly with a view of qualifying myself for any 
business of a public nature, to which I might, not improba- 
bly, be called. To such, indeed, I soon began to be called ; 
and even had some flattering prospects of rising in public 
estimation." 

One of the circumstances, I was told, which influenced 
his mind at this time, grew out of a law-suit, in which the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 57 

Griswold family happened then to be engaged with some 
other party. The lawyer employed by the family was, Mr. 
Gideon Granger, at that time residing in the neighboring 
town of Suffield, and very eminent in his profession ; but 
afterwards of Canandaigua in the State of New York, and 
Post Master General of the United States. With this dis- 
tinguished gentleman the law-suit in question brought Mr. 
Griswold into intimate acquaintance ; the result of which was 
that he conceived a very exalted opinion of him and even a 
warm regard for him. This opinion and regard were reci- 
procated. In the management and progress of the suit, that 
brought them together, an opening towards the legal pro- 
fession, under very favorable auspices, seemed to present 
itself; and it had much influence with the family, in the ad- 
vice, which they gave, and doubtless with Mr. Griswold 
himself in the studies, on which he now entered. 

Meanwhile, some of the former pupils of his uncle Viets, 
among whom Mr. Griswold was one, instituted a kind of 
debating club, which used to meet in the evening, and most- 
ly at his own house. This club, or society, became a place of 
practical exercise to several young men, who were looking 
towards the bar; — and here, reading law in the mean time, 
Mr. Griswold acquired no little legal knowledge and skill, 
and even saw fairly opened before him, had he chosen to 
pursue it, the road to legal distinction. Distinguished in the 
law, in the highest and best sense, he undoubtedly might 
have become : for few minds have powers, better adapted 
whether to the study of legal science, or to the practice of 
the legal art, than his own. The chief, indeed the only 
peculiarities, which kept him so long from popular notice 
and from immediate influence in the Church, (his native 
modesty and his acquired taciturnity,) would at least have 
so far yielded, under the keener excitements, the closer at- 
trition, and the greater freedom of the courts, as to have 
left no barriers in his way to any legal eminence, on which 
he might have fixed his eye ; while his ready wit, his play- 
ful fancy, his power at pungent satire and rebuke, his un- 
commonly quick and keen perceptions, and his unquestiona- 



58 MEMOIR OF THE 

bly profound and accurate judgment, (qualities, several of 
which, as a minister of Christ, he kept so effectually under 
the stern and holy restraints of a religious conscience, that 
but few were even aware of their existence in his character,) 
would naturally have come out into distinct and full activity, 
and insured success to his highest aspirations. But, God 
designed better things than these for his Church ; and we 
may add, even higher things than these for his servant. 

Mr. Griswold's study of the law, as we have seen, was 
not, from the first, intended as a preparation for its actual 
practice ; and though he unexpectedly found the way to that 
practice opening very invitingly before him and soliciting 
his entrance, yet his mind had other things in view, and for 
a season he remained undecided in what pursuit he should 
permanently engage. He had admirable talents for busi- 
ness, and habits, which fitted him admirably for the acquisi- 
tion of extensive wealth : and to this his thoughts seem at 
first to have turned, not from any inordinate love of money, 
but from a high and honorable desire for usefulness. 

"Observing," he says, "with what eagerness almost all- 
were in pursuit of wealth, how much influence the rich had 
in society, and indeed how much, if rightly used, riches 
might add to the comfort and happiness of life, and to the 
means of doing good, I had some serious thoughts of devo- 
ting my efforts to the acquisition of wealth ; not doubting 
that, with my habits of economy and patient industry, I 
should probably succeed. These thoughts, however, held 
my mind but for a short period. For I had, even thus early, 
conceived an indifference to wealth beyond what either re- 
ligion, or true philosophy requires. Wealth is certainly a 
great blessing, in so far as it gives us the means of doing 
much good both for ourselves and for others. To despise it, 
is to despise, or be indifferent to, the good which it might be 
the means of doing. A Christian is in duty bound to be in- 
dustrious, and frugal ; and should endeavor to acquire more 
than he needs, if for no other purpose, ' that he may have to 
give to him that needeth.' 

"The cultivation of literature was, in truth, what I most 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 59 

desired. But, to the indulgence of this early and strong 
passion of my mind, the wants of an increasing family, for 
the time, presented an insurmountable obstacle, and con- 
strained me, for a few years, to devote a large part of my 
time to the cultivation of a small farm, which then and for 
many years afterwards belonged to me. 

"During these years of indicision, however, reading was 
not neglected ; nor was I uninterested, or wholly unoccupied, 
in the affairs of religion and the Church. I became a com- 
municant at the age of twenty, and was confirmed, with 
many others, on occasion of Bishop Seabury's first visit to 
our parish. In the affairs of this parish, I was much con- 
sulted, and not a little engaged. My knowledge of music, 
and practice of Psalmody, as there were then very few 
organs in the country, made me of use both in teaching and 
in leading the choir. When the parish was vacant, and 
when its minister was absent, I assisted in the other services, 
and finally, being urged to speak on other occasions, my 
friends began to think that the weakness of my voice was 
not a good reason for relinquishing my early purpose of taking 
orders." 

Before noticing the influence of this suggestion on his 
mind and course of life, I must recall for observation his 
passing remark, that, during his years of indicision on the 
great question before him, " reading was not neglected." 
His brief sketch of this period gives us but a faint idea of 
either the difficulties, with which he was obliged to contend, 
or the spirit, in which he met and mastered them. His read- 
ing at this period, had an undoubted reference to the Church 
and the ministry, although he had not yet determined to de- 
vote himself to the service of the former in the work of the 
latter. But what this reading cost him, few have ever 
known. "The events of his life," says his son-in-law, Dr. 
Tyng, " had been a discipline in very narrow circumstances, 
and the influence of this, he carried through the whole of his 
succeeding years. His early marriage and his condition as 
a working farmer, rendered his education a series of difficul- 



60 MEMOIR OF THE 

ties. He has told us that when he was attempting to prepare 
himself for the ministry, he was obliged to labor all the day 
on his farm ; and, not being able to afford himself adequate 
lights, he was in the habit of stretching himself on the hearth, 
with his books before him, and by the light of pine knots, 
as they blazed in the chimney corner, pursuing his studies 
for hours after his wife and children were asleep !" 

Where can a more remarkable instance of self-devotion 
and unconquerable perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge 
be found ? Nor must it be supposed that his reading was 
without aim or order, gathering together a literary chaos, — 
"rudis, indigestaque moles ;" the food of an indiscriminate 
appetite, that devoured every thing with equal greediness, and 
digested nothing for the nourishment of mental life and 
health. He knew what he read, and why he read it, and 
what was the best way to make his reading useful. To a 
naturally ready and retentive memory, which seldom lost 
what it really grasped, he added, as his indices and com- 
mon-places shew, those customary aids, which enabled him 
to arrange his best stores into such order, as to have them 
always at command. From Drexelius, he early adopted the 
following " directions for noting" as he read. "1. Begin 
the work early in life. 2. Do it continually. Read no book, 
quin excerpas, without making extracts. 3. Often read over 
what you have written. 4. Always keep in view the end 
of your own studies." 

As to the utility of such a system, he extracted from the 
same author the following remarks : 

1. " Pliny Secundus, while his nephew was walking out 
to take the air, used this memorable expression ; c Poteras 
has horas non perdere, temporis parsimoniam, quam ignota 
es et rara I Omnium rerum jactura reparabilis, preterquam 
temporis? c Thou mayest save these hours from waste. 
parsimony of time ! how unknown and rare art thou ! The 
loss of all things is reparable save that of Time !" Drexelius 
insists that nothing great ever was, or ever will be done 
without industrious notation. He would not part with his 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 61 

own notes for any thing short of heaven itself. When a sub- 
ject was proposed, he could tell all the authors, who had 
written upon it. 

2. " A man may subsist on his own stock, in case of sick- 
ness, or any hindrance, as when he must write, and cannot 
read. 

3. " There is but little difficulty in building when all the 
materials are at hand. 

4. " Take what you want from the book which you read, 
and you never need open it again. Your own papers are 
the best library. 

5. "No index to an author is so good as your own, taken 
on reading the context. 

6. " There is no more benefit in reading, than there is in 
r, too much. We derive good from that only which is 



Among other notes as to the best method of reading, which 
Drexelius recommends, he made the following. 

" We ought to read, 1. Every author, who is best in his 
kind ; 2. Such as best suit with our own genius ; and 3. the 
ancients generally in preference to the moderns. 

" i Ordo anima memorise.' Order is the soul of memory." 

Adopting such rules for reading, as he evidently did, early 
in life, and with such a natural memory as that, which he 
possessed, he could not but have a well-regulated, as well 
as a richly stored mind ; and we are prepared for the state- 
ment, which Dr. Tyng adds to that already given from his 
pen. 

"His early ardor for information followed him to the very 
close of life. He was always a hard student, and one of the 
most perfect and varied scholars, with whom I have ever 
been acquainted. His peculiar diffidence and silence 
rendered it difficult to draw from him his stores of learning ; 
but I could never consult him on any question, in any branch 
of study, without finding him perfectly acquainted with it. 
In languages and in history, as well as in the abstract sciences 
and in theology, he was fully prepared for every occasion," 

What the Bishop says, in the extract last made from the 



62 MEMOIR OF THE 

auto-biography, on the subject of his becoming a communi- 
cant at the age of twenty, and of his being confirmed during 
the first visit of Bishop Seabury to the parish in Simsbury, 
is indeed a brief account of those important events of his 
life ; and it would have added greatly to the interest of this 
part of the memoir, if he had been much more full in his 
narration of those events. But, it must be remembered that, 
if we except the precious tokens and foretastes, which were 
sent him from heaven during his dangerous illness at ten 
years of age, there was evidently nothing remarkable in 
the early developments of his religious character. Its foun- 
dations were laid; its principles were fixed; its elements 
were gathered ; and foretokenings of its future growth and 
ripeness shewed themselves. But, at the age, of which I am 
now speaking, there was nothing of a very special, or strong- 
ly marked character in either his feelings themselves, or the 
events of his life as influenced by them. It should also be 
remembered, that, at the age, when he wrote his auto-biogra- 
phy, as well as throughout his life, Bishop Griswold was not 
accustomed to speak largely of himself; and that, when he 
did make himself the subject of either conversation or writ- 
ing, there was ever the deepest humility in his tone of re- 
mark, a disposition to place himself among the lowly, rather 
than to urge himself up to notoriety among the great, of this 
world. His habit was to leave his character to be judged 
by his actions ; and his tree to be known by its fruits. 

To return now to the question, which had begun again to 
occupy his thoughts, and to be urged again on his considera- 
tion by his friends, whether he should at length decide upon 
entering the ministry ? he says : 

" To this I was much urged, especially by the Rev. Mr. 
Todd, who had succeeded my uncle in the Simsbury parish. 
By very serious conversations, he at length convinced me 
that the clerical profession was that, which the leadings of 
God's Providence evidently held forth to my view ; assuring 
me, at the same time, that, in this profession, there could be 
no doubt of my success. 

" Some years previous, as is known, I had considered my- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 63 

self as designed for the Christian ministry. -My advantages, 
as preparatory to the work, were even then considerable. 
From being so much with an Episcopal clergyman ; travel- 
ling with my uncle in his visits to his clerical brethren, to 
whom he ever had a pleasure in introducing me ; and favored 
with his library, which for a private one in those times was 
thought to be very large, and almost the whole of which I 
read;* I had become early and well acquainted with Church 
affairs, especially with the Churches and clergy then exist- 
ing in Connecticut. As this knowledge commenced in 
childhood, at my present age, seventy-four, I might perhaps 
truly say that no one, now living, has been longer or better 
acquainted with the Protestant Episcopal Church in New 
England" (might he not have added, in the United States ?) 
"than I." 

" The weakness of my voice had indeed led me early to 
suppose that I could never, as a public speaker, be of much 
use in the Church: yet I had hoped that, through divine 
grace, I might, in the other exercises of the ministry, be the 
instrument of some good. I used to think, too, that the 
ministerial profession would be the means of keeping me 
steadfast in the Christian faith : and with shame I must now 
add, that the thought of its giving me more leisure for in- 
dulging my ardent love of reading had, at that time, too 
much influence on my mind. Reading, for the pleasure of 
reading, with no particular view to qualification for the bet- 
ter performance of the duties of our profession is, to say the 
least, quite as inconsistent with the clerical office as laboring 
with our hands for the bread of life. By the latter, as was 
the case with St. Paul, we help to support ourselves and 
others ; and, (what is too little considered) render ourselves 

* The words here italicised, are in the auto-biography erased, evidently 
at the suggestion of an afterthought started by the Bishop's modesty. But 
they are distinctly traceable under the erasure ; and I have ventured to 
move the line, with which he erased them, a little lower down, as, on the 
whole, its more proper place ; as no longer capable there of inflicting pain 
on his modest feelings ; and as doing him a piece of posthumous justice, 
which, while living, he seemed so unambitious of doing to himself, 



64 MEMOIR OF THE 

less burthensome to those among whom we minister. This 
is worthy of special consideration in New England, where 
the division of Christians into so many sects, societies and 
denominations, renders the support of a minister for each a 
heavy burthen upon the people. 

"We know well, that, as St. Paul says, < The Lord has 
ordained that they who preach the Gospel should live of the 
Gospel ;' and many Christians, no doubt, neglect their duty, 
by giving so little for its support. Moreover, we dare not 
say, it is God's will that there should be such divisions 
among Christians as to compel us thus to 'heap to ourselves 
teachers.' Nevertheless, it is remarkable that St. Paul, im- 
mediately after the words just cited from 1 Cor. ix. shews 
that, for himself, he had not claimed a maintenance from the 
people ; and he speaks of it as what, in his exercise of the 
ministry, was most deserving of reward, or praise, that, when 
he preached the Gospel, he had made it without charge to 
his hearers. To the elders of Ephesus, he declares, Acts 
xx. i Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered 
unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have 
shewed you all things, how that, so laboring, ye ought to 
support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord 
Jesus, how he said ; It is more blessed to give than to re- 
ceive.' Whether I am right or wrong, I have ever admired 
this trait in St. Paul's character; and ever since I have been 
a minister of Christ, have thought it my duty, in some de- 
gree, to follow his example. This, I have so far done, that, 
while I have thankfully received what has been freely given, 
as he also did, I have never complained that it was too little. 
Though insufficient for my support, I have preferred labor- 
ing with my own hands, and other means of living, rather 
than that any thing should be added to the people's burthen. 
How much a more general conformity to the Apostle's views 
and practice, and a less practical conformity to the fashions 
of the world, by the ministers of Christ, would tend to the 
increase of true religion, they have different opinions. But, 
to return from this digression ; — 

"At the time, when Mr. Todd urged my entrance into the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 65 

ministry, I had begun to have pleasing expectations of what 
is called rising in the world; and my hopes of temporal 
honors began to occupy my thoughts to such a degree that, 
with shame I must confess, the relinquishment of them re- 
quired a painful struggle. But, the Lord was pleased in his 
own good time to bring me to a better mind ; and I yielded 
with diffidence and fear to what was by many believed to be 
my duty." 

Coming from such a man, these last sentences evidently 
imbody the substance of what might have been a rich chapter 
in the book of true Christian experience. But, unfortunate- 
ly for us, the details of that chapter have been left unwritten ; 
and the only hand, that could have given them with truth, 
is now cold and still. Into the depths of that struggle with 
natural ambition, we may never look. Into the wrestlings 
of the divine Spirit with that ardent lover of learning and of 
literary fame, we may never penetrate. Into all the feelings, 
which accompanied the bowing of that diffident and trembling 
heart before the high behests of duty, we may never enter. 
What knowledge of the weakness of nature, and of the strength 
of sin, of the power of grace, and of the blessedness of giving 
up all for Christ, was then and there acquired, we may never 
know. Over all these things has been left a veil, through 
which we may, indeed, see something of the attitude and ac- 
tion of the man, and of that divine agent who was dealing 
with him, but which doubtless covers much that other auto- 
biographers would have revealed, and much that their readers 
would have been glad to learn. 

"This," the manuscript proceeds, referring to the conflict 
just mentioned, and to its result in following the call of duty ; 
" This was in the spring of 1794 : and I was advised, with 
no other preparation than I then had, to offer myself to the 
Convention as a candidate for orders. This Convention met 
early in June. I was received, and soon after commenced 
officiating in a small parish about twelve miles distant from 
my residence. 

" Our present mode of receiving candidates had not then 
been adopted. In Connecticut, as soon as they were re- 

F* 



66 MEMOIR OF THE 

ceived, they were permitted to deliver their own composi- 
tions : a permission, which was thought to be necessary in 
order to their obtaining parishes ; for candidates were not 
then ordained Deacons, till after they had been called to some 
particular charge, or cure. The first morning of my officia- 
ting as candidate, I read a printed sermon : but ever after 
that, I preached my own." 

From this record, it appears that, at that time, a candidate 
for orders held a position similar to that of an ordained Dea- 
con at the present day. He was, in fact, a licensed, though 
unordained preacher ; and as such could receive, what can- 
didates now can not, an official call, or election, to be the 
stated minister of a parish. It followed, as a matter of course, 
not only that he must be allowed to deliver his own sermons, 
but also that he must have, on presenting himself for admis- 
sion as candidate, qualifications, literary, scientific and theo- 
logical, as well as moral and religious, correspondent with 
those now required in persons who are to be ordained Dea- 
cons. The Candidate of that day was practically the Deacon 
of the present ; and our system, on this point, was a virtual 
blending, at least in Connecticut, of the Congregational with 
the Episcopal; the candidate of the latter being equivalent to 
the licensed preacher of the former. I make these remarks 
not only to shew what must have been the amount of Mr. 
Griswold's reading, literary, scientific and theological, at the 
time of his admission as a candidate for orders ; but also to 
bring into prominence a feature in our early system, which 
must be kept in memory, if we would do justice to some 
candidates for orders in our Church, in various parts of New 
England, and at a much later day, than that, of which I 
have been speaking. The habit of regarding candidates for 
orders as a sort of licensed preachers continued, in practice, 
to influence our parishes, especially in the interior of New 
England, long after the change, which was subsequently in- 
troduced into our theory on this point, by the inception and 
growth of our present code of canon law. Even down to 
the time when Dr. Strong, the present Rector of St. James's, 
Greenfield, and Dr. Henshaw, the present Bishop of Rhode 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 67 

Island, were admitted candidates for orders, the influence of 
the old system was still alive. The scarcity of clergymen 
brought candidates into early notice and requisition as lay- 
readers ; these lay-readers were still sought with a view to 
settlement as future ordained ministers ; — and it often hap- 
pened that parishes were unwilling to receive them, as lay- 
readers, unless they would consent to preach their own ser- 
mons. Their object being to make choice of a man to be 
" set over them in the Lord," they wished to test not only 
his ability to read the sermons of others, but also his ability 
to write sermons for himself. Traces of this feeling, kept 
alive by this cause, are discoverable even so late as the time, 
when Mr. Ducachet, the present Rector of St. Stephen's, 
Philadelphia, was admitted a candidate for orders in the 
Eastern Diocese. Occasional instances, (which were then 
censured as a violation of the canon,) of candidates reading 
their own sermons when officiating as admitted lay-readers, 
arose, I am satisfied, not from a censurable vanity in the 
display of their own powers, but from the strength of that 
urgency, with which they still found themselves pressed to 
furnish satisfactory proof to the parishes, in which they were 
officiating, that, so far as learning and talents were concerned, 
they might be advantageously engaged with a view to per- 
manent settlement. The circumstances thus detailed, shew 
how long the lex non scripta will live, with its causes, in 
practice, even after it has been repealed by the lex scripta in 
theory ; how long custom may survive under the written 
law, by which it is sought to be abrogated ; how slow must 
ordinarily be the process of urging, up the stream of popula- 
tion to its sources in the country, those radical changes in 
the customs and institutions of a people, which are so easily 
conceived and placed on record, and which, with compara- 
tive ease, may be reduced to practice in cities and larger 
towns ; and therefore, how much patience, and candor and 
consideration may be required in pressing such changes into 
universal observance, and in judging of the motives and ac- 
tions of those, against whose habits and apparent present 
interests these changes are pressed. 



68 MEMOIR OF THE 

After recording his admission as a candidate for orders, 
and his first engagement in what were in fact the duties of 
his early ministry, the Bishop in his auto-biography thus 
proceeds : 

" In the course of a very few months, I was invited to 
officiate in three different stations. The first was in the 
county of Litchfield, embracing the care of three parishes, 
in the three towns of Plymouth, Harwinton and Litchfield ;?' 
(that part of the town now called Northfield :) "the second 
was in the county of New Haven, and town of Waterbury : 
and the third was in the county of Fairfield, and town of 
Reading. After officiating a few Sundays at each of these 
stations, I was invited by the three parishes, severally, to 
become their minister ; and, as I was told, the invitation 
was, in each case, unanimous, there being not a dissenting 
voice in any one of them. This, at the time, seemed to me 
wonderful; and perhaps some even now will consider it 
scarce credible. But, it should be remembered that clergy 
of our communion were then scarce, and the people conse- 
quently glad to obtain almost any decent minister of Christ 
to labor among them. 

" Waterbury was at that time one of the best parishes in 
the State. The people there were very urgent that I should 
accept their call, and promised that they would, in case of 
my acceptance, immediately commence the building of a 
new church. Their pecuniary offer, too, was the best ; and, 
had I accepted it, I should probably, if living, have remained 
there to this time. 

" Reading also was deemed, by all my friends, preferable 
to the station in Litchfield county ; and yet, I accepted this 
last, partly because it was nearer the place, where my family 
still resided, and where I had some property, which required 
my care ; and partly because I could, with greater propriety, 
resign that station, should circumstances ever render my re- 
moval expedient. The three parishes, embraced within this 
station, formed nearly an equilateral triangle ; each being 
about eight miles distant from the others. The country be- 
tween them was very hilly ; and the roads, especially in the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 69 

winter and spring, very bad. The duties, too, were very 
laborious. Visiting the people, attending funerals, and 
preaching lectures," (by which was understood in the coun- 
try, preaching sermons on week-days in private houses,) 
" besides my Sunday services, kept me a very considerable 
part of my time on horseback. Carriages, in that region 
were then scarce thought of; and even the small wagon, 
since so common in New England, had not then come into 
use." 

Such was the field, selected by Mr. Griswold as the place 
of his first settlement in the work of the ministry ; and such 
were the reasons why he chose it in preference to others, in 
all respects more inviting, so far as his worldly prospects were 
concerned. His case could not be said to be exactly parallel 
with that of an English clergyman, who, in choosing between 
two livings, offered him by his patron, took his servant's ad- 
vice and selected that, in which " there was least money and 
most devil f for the Bishop subsequently testifies that the 
people of these parishes " were mostly religious and all com- 
paratively free from vice :" and yet, in the choice, which he 
was called to make, he decided differently from what some 
would probably have done, by selecting that, in which there 
was least money and most labor. His salary was i?100, 
lawful currency ; practically reduced, $300; or $ 100 from each 
of his three parishes : while his labors, with his early and never- 
remitted habits of sermon- writing, must have been as much 
increased, as his compensation was diminished, by the choice, 
which he made. 

Having been admitted a candidate at the Convention, 
which met at New Haven, June 4, 1794, and having officia- 
ted in that capacity for the term required, one year, he was ad- 
mitted to Deacon's orders at the next annual Convention, 
which assembled at Stratford, June 3d, 1795 ; and not 
January 7th of that year, as is incorrectly stated in "the list 
of ordinations, copied from the Episcopal Register" and ap- 
pended to " the Journals of the annual Conventions of the 
Diocese of Connecticut, from 1792 to 1820," as printed at 



70 MEMOIR OF THE 

New Haven in 1842. The following is his own record of 
his first ordination. 

" "When, according to the rules, then in force, I had been 
a candidate a year, and had obtained the title required by 
having a call to a parish, I was ordained Deacon with two 
others at Stratford, in June 1795." 

His admission to Priest's orders soon followed, at a Con- 
vention, which was holden in Plymouth, Oct. 1, 1795 ; though 
of the doings of this Convention I find no notice in those 
published Journals of the Diocese, to which I just now re- 
ferred. The Bishop says : 

" In October of the same year," (the year of his admis- 
sion to Deacon's orders) "there was a Convention of the 
Bishops and clergy in one of my parishes, that of St. Mat- 
thew's, Plymouth; at which time our new church there was 
consecrated. Then, too, it was, though I had no thought or 
expectation of such a thing, that the clergy proposed to the 
Bishop and to myself, that I should be ordained Priest ; which 
was accordingly done." 

Thus, in a year and a half from the time, when he first 
decided on devoting himself to the work of the ministry, he 
found himself in full orders, and regularly settled in the 
laborious care of three associated parishes ; being now in the 
30th year of his age, and having spent, from the date of his 
early marriage and his uncle's determination to remove to 
Nova Scotia, ten years of most toilful and most self-denying 
application to his twofold labors as a farmer-student. It was 
the humble life of a humble man : and yet those ten years 
were probably filled with as much of strenuous effort, of in- 
vincible perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge amidst 
difficulty, and of the rich and precious results of discipline 
and experience, as were ever crowded into the same num- 
ber of years in the life of any other man. 

His early admission to Priest's orders by such a man as 
Bishop Seabury will be regarded not only as a proof of the 
urgent need, which was then felt of fully ordained clergy- 
men in our Church, but also as an evidence of the confi- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 71 

dence, which was reposed in the soundness and sufficiency 
of his theological and other learning, as well as in his blame- 
less and exemplary religious character and life. It is an in- 
teresting fact, too, which it may be worth while to record, 
that, as Mr. Griswold's admission to confirmation was among 
the first official acts of the first Bishop of Connecticut, so his 
admission to Priest's orders was the very last ordination held 
by that earliest of our American Bishops. 

What Mr. Griswold's views and feelings were at the time 
of his actual entrance upon the ministry may be inferred from 
a passage, which occurs in that part of his auto-biography 
where he speaks of his final removal from Connecticut. I 
introduce it here, because it is to this period of his life main- 
ly that it refers. It is but the summary again of what might 
have been expanded into a rich and precious chapter ; of 
what, however, must always remain a mere summary, for 
want of the only hand that could have written it in full. All 
that his biographer can do is to record his deep regret, that 
its author did not perceive, or, if he did, w as not influenced 
by the perception, that those things in his early ministry, 
which were so very interesting to himself ) were, in all pro- 
bability, exactly what would have been most interesting to 
all the readers of his memoir. 

"I forbear," he writes, "to mention many things very 
interesting to myself, during my ministry in Connecticut; 
especially the exercises of my mind, when I was first ordained, 
and the resolutions, which I made on entering upon that mo- 
mentous work. Happy would it be, had the rest of my life 
been £ according to that beginning." 

With this residue of his life now before me, I cannot re- 
press the utterance of the thought ; if, with all its blameless- 
ness and holiness, self-sacrifice and incessant toil, it still fell 
below what he purposed at its beginning, what must have 
been the loftiness of those opening purposes of ministerial 
devotedness, those early views of the true standard of min- 
isterial fidelity ! As we advance, we shall indeed see reason 
to believe that the resolutions of which he speaks were made 
in a spirit, that mingled somewhat of self-reliance with a 



72 MEMOIR OF THE 

trust in God ; and that in entering into them there "was still 
a smart conflict of early inclination with a stern and all-con- 
straining sense of duty. Still, evidence will gather around 
us at every step that he never lost sight of the early eleva- 
tion of his views as to what the faithful minister of Christ 
should be; that his whole subsequent course was one of 
ardent prayer and intense effort for more and more undivided 
self-consecration to Christ and his service ; and that what 
God first engaged him to attempt under the imperative con- 
straints of duty, He continued to draw forth as the more and 
more freely and gladly bursting homage of his heart, as it 
yielded itself up sweetly to the influence of the all " con- 
straining love of Christ." Duty, indeed, he never performed 
grudgingly, or unwillingly :• and yet, what was at first chiefly 
duty, became at last emphatically delight. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 73 



PROM THE BISHOP'S ORDINATION TO THE CLOSE OF HIS MINISTRY IN 

CONNECTICUT. 

We have thus traced, as accurately as the means of doing 
it would allow, the stream of Bishop Griswold's early life, 
from its rise on the banks of the pleasant Farmington to its 
entrance among the picturesque hills of Litchfield county. 
We have looked upon him in childhood, burning almost 
from infancy with a consuming love for books. We have 
seen him in youth, passing along a way checkered by acci- 
dents and vicissitudes of no common character ; yet still, the 
ardent scholar even in his field-toils ; — the midnight student, 
who lived but to learn, while others were sleeping that they 
might live. And we have followed him into his opening 
manhood, and seen him encumbered prematurely with the 
cares and expenses of a family ; tilling his little farm for their 
support, yet adding studies in the law to reading in divinity ; 
and, when too straightened in his means to indulge in the 
small expense of candles, drawing an unbought and an un- 
taxed oil from his own forest-pines to light him still at his 
midnight devotion to his books. Amid all these scenes, 
moreover, we have seen him early designated, in the Provi- 
dence of God, as one of his " dear children •" favored with 
an early glimpse into heaven, and then gradually trained for 
the service of Christ upon earth ; passing through years of 
indecision on the great question of his course for life ; strug- 
gling earnestly in an inner conflict between his early ambi- 
tion of literary fame, and his early sense of obligation to God 
and his Church ; and finally yielding to the growing power 
of his convictions of duty, and devoting himself to the work 
of the ministry with a loftiness of purpose and an elevation 
of views, which made him ever after dissatisfied both with 
his best attainments in holiness, and with his best activities 
in labor, through a long life, filled, as few lives were ever 



74 MEMOIR OF THE 

filled, with abounding graces of Christian character, and 
with almost superabounding proofs of Christian activity. 

The stream of his history, traced thus far, here enters new 
scenery and flows among new objects : new, however, in 
such a sense as not to be altogether strange ; since, through 
whatever covert windings, and around whatever opposing 
obstacles, that stream may have run, towards this point it 
has been steadily tending ; and that, amidst frequently re- 
curring indications of the course, which it was ultimately to 
assume. At this point of our progress, however, we lose 
for a time our accustomed guide, and shall be compelled, for 
some distance, to follow our subject, as best we may, with 
scarce a word of direction from the auto-biography. The 
few recollections, which I have been able to glean from the 
memories of those aged parishioners, who still survive him 
among the scenes of his earliest ministry, will furnish almost 
the only light, that can now be shed on this portion of his 
life. His ministry in Litchfield county was as humble as it 
was laborious ; but it left behind a gracious sweet-savor 
which is tasted with satisfaction in the remembrances yet 
living among the hills. His life of toil and lowliness there 
was, to the world, as unnoticed and unknown as the beauti- 
ful stream, which flowed through his parishes ; seldom seen 
save by those who drew near, and who, from the brow of 
the sudden eminences which swelled above it, looked down 
into the deep, and narrow vale, along the bottom of which 
it held its way. As I passed over the field of his first labors, 
stood where he so often stood, and listened to what almost 
seemed the living echoes of his voice, in the accounts given 
me both of his teaching and of his toils, I could not help 
thinking of Pastor Oberlin in the Ban de la Roche, and of 
Felix NefT among the high Alps ; not because nature here 
assumes the same sterile, rugged and awful forms, which she 
wears there ; for the hills of Litchfield county generally swell 
into smooth and broad eminences, rather than into shaggy 
and towering heights, and are made vocal with the hum of 
most industrious life, as it covers them with traces of well 
paid cultivation ; nor because man here exists in the same 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 75 

rude and untaught state, which marks his condition there ; 
for this, like every other part of Connecticut, is a region of 
moral cultivation and of intellectual light ; but because here, 
as there, the scene is withdrawn from the noise and bustle 
of the great tumultuous world ; because here, as there, all is 
simple, inartificial, rural life ; but, most of all, because here, 
as there, was a man, giving up every thing for his Master ; 
a man fired, natively, with all the ardors of the poet, the 
scholar, and the man of science, yet making himself one 
with his people in all the simplicity, toilfulness and humble 
fare, to which they were accustomed; a man, seeking 
singly the good of all, and receiving less than love and re- 
verence from none. 

Of the order and succession of events during his ministry 
in Litchfield county, it has of course been impossible to dis- 
cover a trace. Detached incidents, and general views, are 
all that could be recovered. These, however, shew with 
sufficient distinctness, his character, his labors, and the esti- 
mation in which he was held. It is a matter of little im- 
portance, into what order events fall, when, as in the case 
of most country clergymen, those events are so generally 
monotonous. 

When he first took charge of his three parishes, his time 
was not equally divided between them. One half was given 
to St. Matthew's Church, East Plymouth ; and one quarter 
each to Trinity Church, Northfield, and St. Mark's, Har- 
winton. For more than five years after his settlement, his 
residence was in the first named parish, in the house of Mr. 

C G ', who is still living in the enjoyment of a 

green old age of eighty years, as full of intelligence and re- 
spectability as he is of the almost undiminished energies or 

his manhood. Mr. G , being at that time unmarried, 

and having just built himself a small but comfortable house, 
rented it to the new pastor, and lived in his family as a 
boarder. From him I received some of the incidents, and 
many of the general views, which I am about to record ; and 
I place the greater value on what he communicated, because 
he had the best possible opportunity of judging truly of the 



76 MEMOIR OF THE 

subject of my inquiries. It was a sage reply of a celebrated 
English preacher, who, when asked what he thought of the 
religious character of a certain person, commonly regarded 
as a most eminent and exemplary Christian, answered ; " I 
am not a competent judge in the case, for I have never lived 
with him." An assumed character may be sustained, with- 
out detection, any where else, better than in the withdrawn 
and unguarded intercourse of the family circle. Here, if any 
where, the truth of a man's heart comes out and speaks its 
own language, with a plainness, which no disinterested 
observer can misunderstand. 

In the first week of November, 1800, Mr. Griswold re^ 
moved with his family from Plymouth to Harwinton, and 
took possession of a parsonage and small glebe of fourteen 
acres, which had been purchased for him, and on which he 
continued to reside, till his final removal from Connecticut ; 
henceforth dividing his time equally between the three 
parishes. 

Just before his ordination and settlement, the Rev. Mr. 

C , Congregational minister in Northfield, offered to 

preach one-third of the time for the Episcopalians in that 
parish, confining himself in worship to the use of the Prayer- 
book; evidently hoping thereby to consolidate the whole 
population into his own society. His offer was accepted ; 
and while he continued to preach to them, he was regularly 
paid for his services. Meanwhile, however, his Episcopal 
hearers were quietly proceeding to finish the new Church 
which they had begun to build ; and as soon as it was com- 
plete, Mr. Griswold took possession and opened it for such 
as were disposed to attend his ministry. The result was 
that all the Episcopalians, who had accepted the offer of Mr. 

C , flocked at once to their own house and their own 

Pastor ; and so acceptable were his ministrations that some 
even of the Congregationalists would stray away, as often 
as they dared, from their own minister to hear the new 
Episcopal Clergyman. Their tendency to this became at 

length so manifest, that Mr. C felt obliged to admonish 

his people of their duty to himself ; remarking somewhat 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 77 

playfully, as he addressed them on the subject ; — " It is cus- 
tomary, my friends, for the minister to be where his people 
are ; and as you seem so much inclined to go and hear Mr. 
Griswold, I have some thoughts, unless you mend your 
ways, of going to Church too." 

Among those of M. C 's congregation, who were thus in 

the habit of frequently attending the Episcopal Church, was 
his own wife. She had been educated an Episcopalian, and 
was indeed cousin to my informant, a leading man at that 
time in this part of Mr. Griswold's cure. Her old feelings 
of attachment to the Church being revived, she persisted in 
frequently attending its services, notwithstanding her hus^ 

band's remonstrances as often as she did so. Mr. C 

was a regularly educated man ; and thinking perhaps to in- 
fluence his wife through her pride, he asked her one day ; 
" My dear, pray tell me why it is that you go so frequently 
to hear that Simsbury Shoemaker?" She replied ;■ — " Shoe- 
maker, or not, he is a good preacher, husband ; and if you 
could preach as well, I should not like you the less, though 
you were a Shoemaker indeed." 

Mr. A B , the gentleman above alluded to as my 

informant, remarked that, during Mr. Griswold's ministry in 
this parish, almost every new inhabitant that removed into 
Northfield, to whatever denomination he had previously be- 
longed, attached himself to the Episcopal Church ; so accepta- 
ble was Mr. Griswold's preaching, and so decided the influ- 
ence, which he acquired over the public mind. His Church 
became full ; not a sitting was left unoccupied ; and this parish 
rose at once into a most flourishing condition, which it con- 
tinued to enjoy till the period of his removal. 

Through life, Bishop Griswold was remarkable for his 
abstinence from all participation in the political controversies 
of the day. Though he had his preferences and his princi- 
ples on this subject as well as on others, yet it is believed, 
few were certain to which side he leaned. During the period 
of his early ministry, political excitement, it is well known, 
ran frightfully high throughout the country ; and as it was 
then very common for ministers of the Gospel to take an 



78 MEMOIR OF THE 

open part, and even to become leaders, in politics, — many 
of his parishioners became desirous of knowing to which 
party he belonged. As yet they had been utterly unable to 
ascertain. At length, so high did the desire, or curiosity run, 
that one of them asserted his ability and avowed his determi- 
nation to bring their minister to an open expression of his 
opinions. The time, which he chose for his experiment was 
that of their annual parish " settlement" as it was called ; 
that is, the day fixed for the annual balance of accounts be- 
tween the people and their Pastor. On this occasion, the 
settlement took place in the principal " store" of the town ; 
and after the conclusion of business, to the mutual satisfac- 
tion of the parties concerned, the inquisitor entered on his 
operations, and began to sound his minister's politics by 
that process of indirect remark and leading question, in 
which the shrewd Connecticut man has ever shewn himself 
so much at home. His minister, however, having as much 
skill in bearing an examination, as he had in pressing it, took 
no notice of what he said ; till, wearied with the indirect 
method, he at last threw himself upon the direct, and asked 
Mr. Griswold plainly " to which side in politics he belong- 
ed ?" " My kingdom is not of this world ;" was his mild, 
but only reply ; and so his questioner remained as wise as 
when he began his questioning. It is probable that if every 
minister of the Gospel had been as prudent on this point as 
the subject of the present notice, many a sundered pastoral 
connexion would have remained unbroken ; many a divided 
parish would have continued in harmony ; and many an in- 
fidel, who has hated religion because his minister opposed his 
politics, would have been saved from his unbelief, and been 
made an humble follower of the Saviour. 

His early preaching, like that, which generally prevailed 
in our Church at that time, was rather moral than evangeli- 
cal : that is ; devoted more to the illustration and enforce- 
ment of the moral precepts and virtues of Christianity, than 
to the development and application of the spiritual truths 
and doctrines of the Gospel. He was, indeed, neither igno- 
rant nor regardless of the latter ; — still, his religious views 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 79 

had not then so clearly unfolded themselves as to bring these 
latter out into unconcealable prominence, and make them 
seen every where, as the all-pervading, vital soul of the 
former. He never seems, like Chalmers in his early minis- 
try, to have been opposed to the humbling doctrines of the 
Cross, and to have designedly and deliberately placed his 
dependence for making men better on the inculcation of 
mere morality ; — but, like many other good men before him 
in the English and American Episcopal Churches, his whole 
Body of Divinity had been cast rather into that shape, which 
gave the morality of the Gospel chief prominence, with a 
sort of occasional pointing inwards, or downwards, to some- 
thing spiritual as its source, or its foundation ; than into that 
order which shows the spiritual truths and doctrines of the 
Cross as the very fountain-head of pure and living morality, 
pouring forth incessant streams of virtue and godliness over 
all the life ; and as that divinely laid foundation in the soul, 
which, alone, can support a solid and an unfailing fabric of 
moral virtues in the character. In short, he, at that time, 
rather overlooked than disliked what are termed " the doc- 
trines of grace ;" he preached what was practical, though 
without prejudice against what was spiritual ; and he entered 
the pulpit-controversies of the day against Calvinism, though 
without the slightest feeling of aversion of the Gospel of the 
Calvinists. 

Even in his moral preaching, however, there were a 
point, a plainness, and a sort of quickening vitality, which 
made his discourses very different from those of multitudes, 
whose skill lay chiefly in turning the living moralities of 
heaven into little better than the dull prose of our common 
life. 

As one of the many illustrations of this remark, which 
might still be gathered from the field of his early labors, 

Mr. N S , the son of an aged widow of whom I 

inquired, and at whose house in Northfield Mr. Griswold 
used to spend, in study and sermon writing, many of those 
stormy days, which prevented his return to his family in 
Plymouth ; tells of an incident, which occurred when he 



80 MEMOIR OF THE 

was but a boy. Mr. Griswold was preaching against the 

vice of profane swearing. But N , as is apt to be the 

case with most boys, listened carelessly, and therefore 
caught but little that the minister said, till something pecu- 
liar in what he was uttering arrested his attention, when the 
following sentence fell on his ear. " Other vices have their 
temptations ; some of them, very strong ones ; so that they 
who indulge in them can at least shew something of imme- 
diate pleasure, even though it have been purchased by the 
loss of present virtue, and at the hazard of future damna- 
tion. But, the profane swearer sins without any inducement. 
He bites at the Devil's bare hook, and goes to hell as a fool 

caught in his own folly." This, said Mr. S , fixed my 

thoughts, and so impressed my mind, that, to this day, I 
never hear a profane swearer, without thinking to myself; 
u There goes a fool, biting at the Devil's bare hook!" 

Mr. Griswold was always characterized by a power of 
keen but quiet satire ; a faculty of reproving vice, error, 
and improprieties, especially from the pulpit, in such a dis- 
tinct yet delicate way that the persons, or class of persons 
intended, could never mistake his meaning, nor avoid feel- 
ing his point ; — while at the same time, it was impossible to 
take any offence, or to shew feeling otherwise than by amend- 
ment. Mr. A C , another of his aged, and very 

respectable parishioners in Harwinton, tells of a Mr. A 

a quaint wit, who thus describes the power now mentioned. 
" Why," said he, " Mr. Griswold's tongue is like the scimi- 
tar of the Turk. He can cut a man's head off without his 
knowing it:" — by which he meant, not, that the reproofs 
uttered were unfelt ; but that the persons reproved found 
themselves, in a sort of sense, convicted and decapitated, 
without the power, even if they had the wish, to open their 
mouths in answer. 

That there was no bitterness in his reproofs, whatever of 
keenness they may have carried, may be known from the 
fact that there was none in his tempers. Upon a long ac- 
quaintance, children are perhaps the most sure to detect the 
true temper of a man. Live long with children, and make 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 81 

them love you if you can, — provided your tempers are na- 
turally severe and bitter. Their love is a keen instinct, 
which fixes on nothing, but what is, in some good measure, 
as sweet, as gentle and as lovely as their own childish inno- 
cence. Judged by this test, Mr. Griswold's natural tempers 
appear in the most amiable light. He was the idol of all 

the little children of his parishes. Said Mrs. A C , 

an uncommonly intelligent woman for the wife of a country 
farmer ; " The children of his cure were like those describ- 
ed by Goldsmith, in his portrait of < the Village Pastor ;' " 

" The service past, around the pious man, 

With ready zeal, each honest rustic ran ; 

Even children followed, with endearing wile, 

And plucked his gown, to share the good man's smile." 

" I am" — she continued, u like Moses, not ready of speech. 
I have a heart to feel, but not a tongue to express what I feel, 
for that good many " He was," — said her husband, in his 
plain, honest way, — u an uncommonly perfect man. You 
could find no fault with him, — no way." 

His humility, was an early as well as late grace of his 
character ; and it was peculiarly manifest in the fact that 
severe and unjust judgments of him from others never had 
power to provoke him to severity and injustice in return. 

Mrs. C tells of a Congregationalist, who was somewhat 

rude of speech, and withal strongly prejudiced against the 
Episcopal Church, and who one day spoke disparagingly of 
Mr. Griswold in the presence of some of his parishioners, 
saying, among other things ; " He is no more fit to preach 
the Gospel than my horse." Upon being told of the remark, 
he took it very meekly ; merely replying ; " Well, I have 
often myself suspected that I was hardly fit to be a minister 
of Christ." 

Whenever drawn, as he used sometimes to be, into per- 
sonal discussion with others, he was not prone to long and 
violent argumentation. His parishioners early remarked in 
him a singular power of putting an end to the controversy, 
whatever it happened to be, by a few sentences, often by a 
single sentence, which so gathered up the subject, and put it 



82 MEMOIR OF THE 

in such a shape, or in such a light, as to leave little or nothing 
further to be said. 

I presume it will be admitted as a safe rule, that the pre- 
vailing genius and tone of a man's character may be safely 
estimated by those things, which are best and longest re- 
membered of him, among those, who have had fair and full 
opportunities of thoroughly knowing his character. In this 
view, it gave me peculiar pleasure to find the following inci- 
dent fresh in the memory of the good people of Harwinton, 
as something, which assorted well with their conceptions of 
the man. It was related to me by Mrs. C . 

On a beautiful summer Sunday, as Mr. Griswold was lead- 
ing the worship of his congregation in Harwinton, the win- 
dows of the Church being open for the purpose of ventilation, 
a dove was observed to fly in at the window near the desk, 
and hovering a moment over the chancel, to alight fearlessly 
on the open Prayer-book. The Pastor, without pausing in 
his devotions, gently raised his hand, and softly brushed the 
bird away. Nothing daunted by this gentleness, however, 
it made a few circlings round the Church on its rustling 
wings, and then settling down with its own peculiar hover- 
ing motion, fairly alighted on the good man's head. With 
no pause in the worship, the same gentle hand was again 
raised, and again softly brushed the bird away. This time, 
it exhibited no more signs of fear than before ; but, after a 
few more flutterings on the wing, quietly flew out at the win- 
dow by which it entered. 

The good people of the parish often and long talked of 
this incident, and were fond of regarding it as almost divine- 
ly significant of the character of the quiet and spirit-taught 
man of prayer. 

It has already been mentioned that, in selecting his first 
field for ministerial labor, Mr. Griswold rejected two offers, 
either of which included a far better provision for his tem- 
poral support, than that which he accepted. To how much 
of self-denial this choice practically subjected him may be 

judged from the following statement of Mr. G , to whom 

I have already referred as having lived for five years in his 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 83 

pastor's family. "I have" said he, " labored for many of 
the neighboring farmers, as well as for others who were not 
farmers ; and have partaken at their board as one of the 
household ; but I have never lived with any family, in which 
the daily, habitual fare was so poor and coarse as that on 
Mr. Griswold's table." So largely was he obliged to deny 
himself and his household in preaching the Gospel among 
the retired hills of Connecticut. 

And yet, even under these circumstances, he was remark- 
able among his parishioners for his observance of the apos- 
tolic injunction to be " given to hospitality." This virtue 
was, indeed, a reigning trait in his character ; not in that sense, 
which includes the giving of luxurious and dainty entertain- 
ments to a circle of specially invited guests ; (to this clerical 
infirmity he would have had no inclination, had his means of 
indulging it been ever so ample ;) but, in that best of senses, 
which includes the sharing of such as a man has, with the 
stranger and the needy thrown providentially on his bounty. 
This hospitality Mr. Griswold never denied, in his most 
straightened circumstances. No matter who was thus cast 
upon him, and, it might almost be said, no matter for how 
long a time, he was welcome to such as his entertainer had 

to give. Said Mr. G ; "I have seen our minister, when 

a negro asked charity, after ordering the table set with such 
cheer as was at command, though it was not his usual meal- 
hour, sit down and partake with him, lest the poor African 
should feel himself slighted." 

A part of his support here, as well as after his marriage in 
Simsbury, was earned by actual labor on the farm. Mr. 

G remarked; "The Parson and myself have often 

worked out together as hired men, in harvest time, at 75 cts. 
per day. He was a hard worker ; among the best day-la- 
borers in town ; and one of his day's- works was worth as 
much as that of two common men :" a remark, which shews 
what uncommon strength of body and vigor of constitution 
he had regained after the almost fatal consumptive symptoms, 
into which he was thrown at ten years of age. 

In truth, his whole life in Litchfield county was one of 



84 MEMOIR OF THE 

severe and varied labor, and often one of very trying expo- 
sure. After his removal to Harwinton, he went one day to 
visit his son Viets, whom he had placed at school in the 
Episcopal Academy at Cheshire. On his return, he stopped 

at his friend G 's, in East Plymouth, who had been so 

long an inmate in his family ; and, as he had ever been fond 
of fishing sport, and was in the habit of often spending a part 
of the night in fishing down the neighboring stream, (not so 
much, at that time, for sport to himself as for support to his 
family,) he asked Mrs. G. the wife of his friend, whether his 
old scoop-net were still in existence ? She told him it lay up 
in the attic ; but urged him ; if he would go fishing, to 
change his clothes for a suit of her husband's old ones. He 
declined her offer, however, and went in his own. On re- 
turning from the excursion with the draught of fishes, which 
he had taken, she saw, from his still dripping garments, that 
he had been in the stream, to his waist ; and therefore again 
urged him to change his dress, that it might be dried. " O 
no," he replied, "it may as well dry on me :" so little did 
his hardy frame then heed the trial of such an exposure. 

On another occasion, he was engaged to preach u a lec- 
ture," as it was called, about five miles from his home in 
East Plymouth. Before he set off, a Congregational neigh- 
bor came and asked the loan of his horse, as he had a few 
miles to ride. He replied; "I was intending to ride him 
myself to-day ; but if you are anxious for him, I suppose I 
can walk." Accordingly, the horse was loaned, and the 
obliging minister had the comfort of making his excursion 
on foot. 

In winter, the hills in this part of Connecticut are uncom- 
monly bleak ; just high enough to take the fierce sweep of 
the winds, yet not high enough to turn the roads from their 
summits into the sheltered vallies between them. It hap- 
pened, one Sunday morning, during his residence in East 
Plymouth, that the weather was extremely cold and stormy ; 
and, as it was his duty, in regular course, to preach on that 
day in his Harwinton Church, he rose before his family were 
awake, saddled his horse and departed without breaking his 



LIFE OF BISHOP GE.ISWOLD. 85 

fast, that he might be sure of arriving in time for service. 
The storm, however, proved so terrible, and the snow drifted 
so fast and so deep, that he was out for hours, battling with 
the stern tempest ; and did not reach Harwinton till noon. 
His parishioners had then closed their morning service, with 
lay-reading. After warming himself a few moments, there- 
fore, he re-assembled them in Church, gave them the after- 
noon service and sermon, and then, desirous of relieving the 
anxiety of his family on his account, turned his horse's head 
immediately for Plymouth. He found the horrors of the way 
however, so increased, that it was midnight before he reached 
home ; and, as his family on his arrival were quietly asleep 
in their beds, he would not disturb them ; but, after reward- 
ing his faithful steed for his duty, betook himself to rest sup- 
perless ; thus, in fact, fasting through his severe fatigues and 
exposures from Saturday night till Monday morning. 

Incidents, such as those recorded, were narrated to me 
during my visit to his early parishioners, not because, in 
tJiemselves, worthy of record, but because they had treasured 
them up as memorials of a man, whom they revered, and as 
furnishing samples of the humble and toilful life, which he 
led among them. Devoting himself unceasingly to his 
various duties, with no anxieties save for the good of his 
flock, he was ever himself laborious and self-sacrificing, and 
though often much straightened in his means, yet always of 
a cheerfully and trustingly composed spirit. 

While his sister Sylvia was residing in his family at East 
Plymouth, the following little incident in dialogue occurred, 
which she related to me as illustrative of the habitual temper 
in which he met and endured the privations of his early life. 
In the neighboring gardens a culinary vegetable was much 
cultivated, which the country people called, " Patience," 
and which was used as a substitute for spinach. " I do 
wish, brother," said his sister, one day, "that we had some 
patience planted in our garden." " Wouldn't it do just as 
well, sister," he replied, "if we had a little more of it grow- 
ing in. our house V 

The only incident, which he has recorded in his auto-bio- 

H 



86 MEMOIR OF THE 

graphy of this his early ministry, is the following. The boy, 
whom he mentions, was a son of Mr. Benjamin Curtis; the 
stream, of which he speaks, ran through the fields some rods 
to the west of his Church in East Plymouth ; and the school 
house, in which he was engaged, then stood still further 
west beyond the stream. 

"As we advance in life, it is no small comfort," he writes, 
"to look back upon anything like good which we may 
have done in the world. Fondness of this sort is my only 
apology for recording an occurrence, which then filled my 
heart with much thankfulness to God. 

" For more than five of the first years of my ministry, I 
resided in Plymouth. About the first of March, during one 
of those years, when the snow was rapidly melting away, 
and when the streams were of course much swollen, a num- 
ber of boys were playing upon a bridge, which was built 
over a small river, then increased to a flood. One of them, 
a fine lad, of nine or ten years, fell by accident from the 
bridge into the midst of the angry torrent. There was not, 
within a fourth of a mile from the place, a single man with 
the exception of myself: and I, very providently, happened 
to be engaged in my school room, about sixty rods distant. 
One of the other boys instantly ran and informed me of the 
accident. There was not a moment for deliberation. A 
few rods below the bridge, the river entered a deep mill- 
pond. As fast as possible, I ran to the brink of the stream 
as far down as I supposed he might have floated. Upon 
reaching it, he was seen near the surface, and one minute 
more would have carried him out into the pond. Without 
slacking my pace, and trusting to my skill in swimming, I 
rushed into the swollen water, with my winter clothing on, 
and succeeded in rescuing him from the flood, and in restor- 
ing him to life. Had I done less, he must inevitably have 
been drowned. As it was, I had great cause for thankful- 
ness, not only for being the instrument of saving from a 
watery grave one who is probably still alive, but also for my 
own escape from being drowned ; it being dangerous to enter 
swiftly running water with such heavy clothing as I then 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 87 

wore. The parents knew nothing of what had happened till 
I carried their child to their dwelling. It was a lonely place, 
where I was then teaching a district school : and it so hap- 
pened, or rather was so ordered, that, instead of going home 
for my dinner on that particular day, I had determined to 
spend the intermission in the school house, and was engaged, 
when the accident occurred, in writing my sermon for the 
following Sunday. During the whole of my life, I have 
been constrained to be economical of my time ; few proba- 
bly of my age have spent less in amusement and relaxation." 

It may be asked whether, at this period of his life, Mr. 
Griswold exhibited in his preaching any foretokens of the 
eminence, to which he subsequently rose in the Church? 
The answers, which I received to this inquiry, were ; that, 
in general, he was not what would be called a popular 
preacher. All loved his sermons, many of which were, of 
their kind, exceedingly effective ; and some of his more dis- 
cerning hearers saw clearly that there was that in him and 
in his discourses, which is not found in ordinary men ; a 
soundness of judgment, a clearness of thought, a richness of 
matter, and an excellence of style, which made them think he 
would not end his days in Litchfield county. The follow- 
ing anecdote is illustrative of the general estimate, in which 
he was held. 

His predecessor in the parish was one day riding through 
Harwinton ; and, seeing one of his former parishioners at 
work hard by in the field, he reined his horse to the fence, 
and inquired; " Well, neighbor A., how do you like your 
new minister ?" u Right well" was the reply ; " excellently 
well." " A pretty good sort of a team horse, but not much 
of a nag, I suppose ?" continued his inquirer. "Why, no, 
not much, perhaps. To tell you the truth, Parson, we are 
quite content. We have tried one nag, and he threw us. 
We are very glad to get something a little more steady." 

While in charge of his parishes here, besides his preaching 
on Sundays and his frequent " lectures" in private families, 
Mr. Griswold used occasionally to ride northwards across 
the line of the State, to where the hills rise into the Hoosack 



OO MEMOIR OF THE 

range in Massachusetts, for the purpose of preaching to a few 
Episcopalians in the hill town of Blanford, at that time a 
neglected place, too much overrun with vice and its com- 
panion, unbelief. His services were held in a school room; 
and occasionally some of the inhabitants, who were not Epis- 
copalians, would drop in to hear what the minister had to 
say. On one occasion, when they saw him open his book 
and begin to read the service, they were so shocked at the 
idea that the man had not religion enough to pray without a 
book, that they immediately rose and left the room. Dis- 
cussing the matter among themselves, afterwards, one of 
their number remarked ; " He believed the Episcopal Church 
claimed the apostolic power of forgiving sins. He supposed, 
therefore, Mr. Griswold had come up to pardon the sins of 
the Blanford people." "No," said a bystander, who had 
more wit as well as better information than his neighbor, 
"that is not the object of his visit. Mr. Griswold lays no 
claim to the apostolic power of forgiving sins. I understand, 
however, there is another of the apostolic powers, of a still 
more remarkable character, which he exercises, and that with 
considerable effect" "And pray what may that be?" in- 
quired the former speaker. "The power of casting out 
devils," replied the latter. 

The present little Church and parish in Blanford, it is be- 
lieved, owes its origin to the labors of Mr. Griswold at that 
period. 

On a general view of the first ten years of his ministry, 
Mr. Griswold is found to have acted in various capacities ; 
as a teacher of the District school in winter ; as a day-laborer 
among his parishioners in summer ; and as a sharer in all the 
lowly occupations and cares of a country life among the re- 
tired hills of Connecticut ; as well as in the proper duties of 
his office as a Christian teacher and spiritual pastor to his 
flock. He shunned nothing, in truth, that could bring him 
into most familiar and unguarded intercourse with his peo- 
ple. As an instance of not unfrequent occurrence ; riding 
one day along the road, he passed the garden of one of 
his parishioners, who was a justice of the peace. The 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 89 

" 'Squire" was preparing to remove a rock, or large stone, 
from his garden grounds. The earth had been dug from 
around it ; and 'Squire W. and his men were lifting hard, 
but in vain, to remove it. Seeing this, Mr. Griswold sprang 
from his horse, leaped the garden fence, and, though in his 
best dress, seized the fresh earthed stone, and, with an exer- 
tion of his almost herculean strength, helped them heave it 
from its bed. 

Such were his habits of intercourse with his flock in every 
thing, wherein he could be of service to them. And yet, in 
all his familiarity with them, in the harvestfield, by the way- 
side, in his fishing excursions by night, in his school-discip- 
line of the urchins committed to his care, in all his unbend- 
ings and minglings with his people, he never iorgot his 
character as a minister of Christ ; was never off his guard ; 
never said, or did, on week days, what could mar his proper 
influence on the Sabbath ; always had his speech seasoned 
with gracious salt: rebuked vice and levity in his own 
peculiar quiet but keen way ; if others ventured into conver- 
sation in his presence, of which he could not approve, or 
partake, immediately reproved it by his silence, or by some 
word, which restored the train of remark to its proper decen- 
cy, or gravity ; and thus, without ever giving offence, or 
compromising his own character, passed through all those 
scenes of familiar intercourse in such a way that, when he 
entered the house of God, and spake as an ambassador for 
Christ, there was nothing to detract from the power of his 
speech, or to counteract the influence of his wise instructions. 
All felt him to be a true man of God, meaning what he said, 
and enforcing by his daily example the precious truths, which 
it was his wont to inculcate. 

Such were the facts and impressions, which I gathered 
from my visit to Litchfield county, and from my intercourse 
with surviving parishioners in all the three parishes, over 
which Mr. Griswold was first settled. With these facts and 
impressions I heard nothing that clashed. All told in general 
the same story of the man ; all seemed to have formed the 
same estimate of his character; the testimony of all, in short, 



90 MEMOIR OF THE 

might well be summed up in the expressive brevity of Mr. 
A. C. of Harwinton : " He was an uncommonly perfect man. 
You could find no fault with him, no way." 

In speaking of the close of his ministry here, the Bishop 
says, in the auto-biography : 

" No years of my life have been more happy than the ten, 
which I passed in those three parishes. The people were 
mostly religious and all comparatively free from vice. To 
me and mine they were exceedingly kind. With no one 
had I ever any manner of contention, or unkind dispute ; 
nor did I learn that any one was ever opposed to me. My 
parishes all gradually increased. And when I left them, I 
had about 220 communicants, the greater part of whom had 
first come to the Lord's table under my ministry. 

u This increase will appear the more remarkable, when it 
is considered that I could officiate in each parish but one- 
third of the time. Could I have spent the whole time in 
any one of them, I have no doubt but the increase of that 
one would have been much greater. Men, who have fami- 
lies, leave with reluctance a place of worship, where they 
enjoy, weekly, the ministration of the Gospel, for another, 
where the services are but once in two or three weeks. The 
scarcity of our clergy at that time made it, in many cases, 
necessary that one should have charge of two or more pa- 
rishes. As a consequence, the parishes increased in number 
more rapidly than in size ; more rapidly than what, in the 
same state, has been the fact, since the clergy have become 
more numerous, and each parish more easily supplied with 
the undivided labors of its minister. Since I left Connecti- 
cut, the number both of ministers and of other members of 
the Church in that state has increased much more than the 
number of the parishes." 

He entered on his labors in Litchfield county, as a sort of li- 
censed candidate, at the close of the year 1794, or at the open- 
ing of 1795, though not ordained till the following June. 
There is a vote on the old parish records of St. Mark's, 
Harwinton, dated February 6th, 1795, offering to engage 
Mr. Griswold one half of the time, provided he would come 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 91 

and settle within the limits of that parish. In the year 1800, 
it appears, he proposed to relinquish the charge of at least 
that part of his cure ; since, on the same records, there is a 
vote, bearing date, September 8th, 1800, to this effect : 
" We do not consent to release Mr. Griswold from this 
Society, according to his request." During the same month, 
arrangements were made, which resulted in his removal 
from Plymouth to Harwinton, as formerly stated, and in 
the purchase of a part of the "Benton Farm," as it was 
called, for a glebe and parsonage. For this glebe, house, 
&c, it appears, .£500 lawful currency were paid ; one-third 
part by the parish in Harwinton, one-third by that in North- 
field, and the remaining third by Mr. Griswold himself. 

In 1803, he visited Bristol, Rhode Island, chiefly with a 
view to relaxation, and to see a country, which he had never 
visited. While there, he was invited to accept the charge 
of the parish in that place ; an invitation, however, which, 
for the present, he declined. Of this visit he takes the 
following notice. 

" In 1803, I was induced, in compliance with a pressing 
invitation, and in company with a friend, to visit Bristol, 
Rhode Island. I passed a fortnight there, preached two 
Sundays, and — the parish being vacant — was pressingly re- 
quested to take charge of it. But the prospect of increased use- 
fulness, or of any other advantage, did not appear to be such as 
to justify the change, or to render my removal from my Litch- 
field parishes expedient. I therefore declined the offer. 
Besides writing to me, they sent in the following autumn a 
man all the way to Harwinton, where I resided, who urged 
me very much, and for several reasons, to accept their invita- 
tion. Still, it did not appear that I was bound by either 
duty or interest to comply with their request. My desire, 
and indeed my intention, had for some time been to remove 
further to the south. The State of Pennsylvania was my 
choice. I was well aware that, when the infirmities of a^e 
should come upon me, I should not be able to endure the 
labors incident to the station, which I then held. I felt able, 
however, to continue them a while longer." 



92 MEMOIR OF THE 

This visit to Bristol was made at the close of the spring 
and early in the summer, as appears from the record of a 
baptism on his private register, bearing date, "Bristol, 
Rhode Island, June 5th, 1803 ;" and either he visited the 
place again in the fall, when the invitation from the parish 
was repeated, or the gentleman, who then visited him at 
Harwinton, took a child with him to be baptized ; inasmuch 
as, from the same private register, it appears that on the 6th 
of November, 1803, he baptized the infant daughter of 
Mr. Allen Usher, of Bristol. The latter part of the alterna- 
tive is probably true, inasmuch as Mr. Griswold makes no 
mention of any visit during the fall ; and as I learned, while 
making my inquiries in Bristol, that the gentleman, who went 
to Harwinton to urge the invitation of the Rhode Island 
parish, was a Mr. James Usher, probably a near relative of 
Allen Usher. 

To shew how much, or rather how little, Mr. Griswold 
was practically influenced by his wish, or even by his inten- 
tion to " remove farther south," — as well as to exhibit a 
specimen of early contracts between pastor and people, I 
insert here the following document from the records of St. 
Mark's parish, Harwinton. 

" This Indenture, made between Alexander V. Griswold 
on the one part, and the parish of St. Mark's Church in 
Harwinton, and County of Litchfield, on the other part, — 
Witnesseth ; — that said Griswold hath covenanted and agreed 
with said parish to perform therein the duties and offices of 
a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Connec- 
ticut, according to the usages, rules and discipline of said 
Church, one-third part of the time, so long as it shall please 
God to enable him to perform them ; it being understood, 
however, that said Griswold have liberty to attend Conventions 
and Convocations of the Clergy, and to obey the directions of 
his Diocesan. In consideration whereof the members of 
said parish do, on their part, covenant with said Griswold, 
and hereby promise to pay him for said services thirty-three 
pounds, six shillings and eight pence per annum, and also 
give him the use and improvement of one-third part of the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 93 

place, whereon he now lives, with the buildings and other 
appurtenances, during the time that he shall continue to be 
their clergyman as aforesaid ; the said salary to continue 
from the first day of January last, and to be paid annually 
on the first day of January of every succeeding year. And 
we, the said parties to this contract, do hereby mutually bind 
ourselves to fulfil the same respectively ; and each party is 
to be bound so long as the other party continues to fulfil his, 
or their particular part of the contract, and no longer. In 
witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands, this 9th 
day of February, one thousand eight hundred and three. 

Alexander V. Griswold ; 

Samuel Phelps, ) Agents and Committee 
George Jones, > of the Episcopal Church 
Gould Butler. ) in Harwinton." 

This contract, as its date will shew, was made several 
months before Mr. Griswold's visit to Bristol ; and is de- 
monstrative of the truth, that, when he made that visit, he 
was not seeking change, but felt himself under the obliga- 
tions of a written bond to remain in HarwinTon so long as 
God should give him strength for the duties of his ministry 
there. 

The instrument is also interesting as shewing the change, 
which has since been silently taking place in the relative 
positions of Clergy and Laity in our Church. It would 
hardly be deemed necessary, or even in place, now, for a 
clergyman to stipulate, in a contract with his parish, for 
" liberty to attend Conventions and Convocations of the 
clergy, and to obey the directions of his Bishop." It is be- 
ginning to be rather necessary for the laity to see to it, in 
their contracts with the clergy, that the latter do not spend 
too much of their time in Conventions, and that the authority 
of their Bishops over them do not become virtually despotic. 

But, although Mr. Griswold was thus under contract with 
the parish at Harwinton, and though he twice refused the 
call of the parish in Bristol, yet it seems his expectations of 
remaining for some time longer in the place of his early set- 
tlement were soon again to'\be disturbed. Referring; to his 



94 MEMOIR OF THE 

last refusal of the invitation, which he had received, he 



"I then supposed that I should hear no more from BristoL 
But, about the middle of the following winter, to my surprise 
one of their most respectable parishioners, Mr. William 
Pearse, a Warden of the Church, appeared at my house 
with still more pressing solicitations that I would take the 
charge of that destitute parish ; urging many reasons why 
it was my duty to consent to the change. This affected 
me very seriously, and there seemed to be in it a call of Di- 
vine Providence. To leave a people, who had been so 
uniformly kind to me, and all of whom, without exceptions, 
I had reason to believe, would be grieved at my leaving them, 
excited in my mind a painful struggle, which they only who 
have been called to the like trial, can realize. It is suffi- 
cient to say, that, with fear and trembling, I gave my con- 
sent ; and, in May 1804, one year after my first visit there, 
I was in Bristol with my family. Bishop Jarvis had given 
his consent that I should spend a few years there, though 
at the same time expressing a wish that I should, after that, 
return to his diocese. 

" The Rev. Joshua Usher, who had formerly been the 
minister of the parish in Bristol, was then living, though 
unable to officiate, and had, three or four years before, re- 
signed his rectorship. The Rev. Mr. Clarke had for two or 
three years been my immediate predecessor. He had re- 
moved from Bristol to Long Island, where, not long after, 
he died." 

The words which I have italicised in this last extract refer, 
I apprehend, to the ground of dissatisfaction, which Mr. 
Griswold supposed his removal would give ; a ground, ex- 
isting in the written contracts, into which he had so recently 
entered, to remain with his people in Litchfield county so 
long as God should give him strength to perform the duties 
of that charge. Indeed, when I visited the scene of his 
earliest labors, I found in the minds of some a faint memory 
of the fact, that, when he first proposed to remove to Bris- 
tol, some of his parishioners were, for a time, dissatisfied 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 95 

on that ground. They thought the contract bound him to 
remain with them for life. But their dissatisfaction was of 
short continuance. For, when they came to understand the 
reasons for his removal, though all mourned, yet none cen- 
sured, the step. Indeed, there was among his people a uni- 
versal acknowledgment that he ought to go. 

The last clause in the contract was evidently designed to 
provide for those possible contingencies, which no one could 
foresee, but which might render a dissolution of the pastoral 
connexion justifiable, at the instance of either party. This 
clause, however, was not, in itself, the reason why his pa- 
rishioners consented to his removal. That reason was found 
in the circumstances, which rendered his removal proper. 

In speaking for the first time of the invitation to Bristol, 
it will be remembered that Mr. Griswold assigned as a rea- 
son for declining it, that neither duty nor interest bound him 
to comply with the request. Upon reading such a remark, 
the question would naturally arise in some minds ; was Mr. 
Griswold ever a man, who could be influenced to so serious 
a step, as that of a removal from one parish to another, by 
any consideration of interest ? To such a question, my 
answer would be a decided negative. Considerations of 
interest never weighed on his mind, unless when they came 
in such a shape as to be identical with considerations of 
duty. His whole life was a demonstration of this truth. 
What his whole reason for removal was, is a secret locked 
with him in the slumbers of the grave. Apart of it, how- 
ever, and that part, which no doubt satisfied his people of 
the propriety of his removal, I was able to recover with a 
satisfying degree of certainty. 

After having become responsible, as we have seen, for 
one third part of the ^£500, which were paid for the glebe 
and parsonage in Harwinton, and probably after the period 
of his first visit to Bristol, his brother Roger, who has al- 
ready been mentioned as a man of much mechanical inge- 
nuity, had conceived a fine scheme for improving the pater- 
nal estate at Simsbury, by the building, at the bend of the 
Farmington River, of what he termed " The Rainbow Mills." 



96 MEMOIR OF THE 

Mr. Griswold advised against the scheme ; but his brother 
was sanguine, and he finally consented to the improvement. 
The dam was constructed ; the mills were built ; and opera- 
tions were commenced. But, a great freshet on the river 
occurred soon after, which did much damage to the works, 
swept away the embankment, carried off' a large quantity of 
kiln-dried grain, and thus put Mr. Griswold to serious loss. 
The paternal estate not having been divided among the 
heirs, the improvement, which was attempted, seems to have 
been a family enterprise. The embarrassments, therefore, 
growing out of his brother's operations, added to the obliga- 
tions, which he had incurred in the purchase of the Har- 
winton glebe, made it difficult, if not impossible, to meet 
his engagements, and yet continue to support his family on 
the small salary of $300, which he received from his Litch- 
field parishes ; while the idea of living in debt was one from 
which his whole nature shrank as by the force of an irresis- 
tible instinct. To live on $300 a year, and provide for the 
education of a growing family by turning fisherman at 
night, day-laborer in summer, and district schoolmaster in 
winter, — this he could easily do, with the feeling that he 
was thereby keeping himself free from debt. But, to do all 
this, and yet feel that the burthens of debt were on him, this, 
every one, who has known him well, is at once prepared to 
say, was what he never could endure. 

It appears evidently to have been under these circum- 
stances that he felt it to be his duty to accept the thrice prof- 
fered call to Bristol. These circumstances, we may well be- 
lieve, made the third repetition of that call, at a time when 
he supposed he had dismissed the subject forever, a matter 
of such " surprise" to him, that he even saw in it the lead- 
ings of a " Divine Providence." The " painful conflict," 
which arose in his mind while deciding the question of his 
removal, was doubtless aggravated by the fear lest his be- 
loved parishioners should think him regardless of the obliga- 
tions of his written contract. This fear, however, was dis- 
sipated before he actually left them. By a " vote" of the 
parish, placed on record, he was " released" from his con- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 97 

tract ; — the glebe-engagement was also taken off' from his 
hands, and the property afterwards re-sold by the parish ; — 
and he left his people amidst expressions of their unfeigned 
regrets, and of their undissembled affection. These expres- 
sions, though they allayed the u fear and trembling" with 
which he finally consented to accept the call from Bristol, 
yet, doubtless increased, in one sense, the touching power of 
the affliction, which he felt in separating from those, to whom 
he had given his first ministerial labors and his first pastoral 
love. 

It may perhaps add to the interest of the foregoing state- 
ment, to remark, that, at the time of his departure from Har- 
winton, that parish owed him about $150 ; equal to one 
and a half year's salary from that part of his charge. In 
consequence of the loose and unsettled state, in which country 
parishes too often allow their accounts to lie, his parishioners 
appear not to have been aware of their indebtedness ; and 
he left them without even reminding them of it. Nor is it 
probable that he ever intended to bring it to their memory. 
I have a letter before me from a member of the parish, dated 
in 1812, eight years after his removal, which shews that their 
indebtedness to him had but just then been discovered by 
themselves, in consequence of the appointment of a com- 
mittee to investigate the state of their pecuniary affairs. Even 
this committee could discover only the fact of their indebt- 
edness. For its amount, one of its number wrote to him ; 
and the letter which he wrote, is the one, now in my hand. 
It is only necessary to add that the amount, when ascertain- 
ed, was paid ; and that the fact of its payment, in connexion 
with the manner, in which it was discovered, testifies as 
strongly to the honesty and faithful affection of his Harwin- 
ton people, as it does to his own characteristic adherence to 
the principle, which, on this subject, he had adopted, of 
always leaving his pecuniary support a matter entirely volun- 
tary with his parishioners. 

I have thus given all that I have been able, with any 
tolerably satisfying certainty, to recover, of the history of the 
first ten years of Bishop Griswold's ministry ; and, consider- 



98 MEMOIR OF THE 

ing the length of time, which has elapsed since he left those 
quietly retired scenes, and the fact that he has left next to no 
record of them himself, it will probably be admitted that the 
amount recovered is both as great and as important, as could 
have been expected. Though lying without connexion, in 
detached incidents and anecdotes, it yet illustrates times and 
characters ; and it presents us with a man, who, though his 
early religious views were not so fully developed as they 
afterwards became, was yet, in principle and spirit of a 
lofty make ; capable of doing and of suffering much for his 
Master ; and actually instrumental of great good in his service. 
His removal was, to all his parishes, a heavy loss ; a loss, 
which, by that in Harwinton, was felt in its subsequent 
temporary extinction. For many years, it ceased to exist. 
The Church edifice itself was demolished, and no trace of 
the parish remained, save in the families, which survived, 
with an undying attachment to the Church of their affections. 
Tlieir fidelity, however, has, within the last few years, been 
rewarded by the revival of the parish ; though with a change 
of name from that of " St. Mark's" to that of " Christ 
Church" A new Church edifice has been built, and an in- 
teresting congregation gathered ; among the members of 
which, not the least interesting, are to be found several of 
the families, who once listened admiringly to the teachings, 
and joined adoringly in the devotions of that " Spirit-taught 
man of prayer" whose departure from among them they so 
deeply, though so submissively mourned. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 99 



FROM THE BISHOP'S SETTLEMENT IN BRISTOL TO HIS CONSECRATION. 

When, at midwinter of 1804, Wm. Pearse of Bristol, 
visited Mr. Griswold in Harwinton, he spent some little time 
in inquiries among the parishioners, for the purpose of learn- 
ing, from their free remarks, the true character of their min- 
ister. The result was, that, though they soon began to sus- 
pect his object, they yet gave their testimony with one voice, 
the substance of which was Allen Cook's sententious judg- 
ment; u He was an uncommonly perfect man: you could 
find no fault with him, no way." 

His acceptance of the invitation having been obtained, as 
soon as the weather became settled in the spring, prepara- 
tions were made for his removal. Mr. John D' Wolf, for 
the sake of distinction from others, — called, " Northwest 
John," from a voyage, which he had made round the north- 
west coast of the Continent, fitted out one of his coasting 
vessels, with which, passing down Narraganset Bay, he pro- 
ceeded by Long Island Sound and Connecticut River to 
Hartford, the nearest point of approach to Harwinton. Thence, 
with hired teams, he advanced, upwards of twenty miles 
over the hills and vailies of Connecticut, to the point of his 
destination. But, what was his surprise at finding the object 
of his expedition an ecclesiastical Cincinnatus at his plough ; 
a farmer ^in the field, under a broad brimmed hat, and in 
patched short-clothes, coarse stockings and heavy shoes! 
This was the last day of Mr. Griswold's agricultural life. 
His field dress was soon doffed, and in exchange, his cleri- 
cal habit assumed ; equally at home in either, and to each 
an equal ornament ; his person ever lofty, erect and digni- 
fied ; his dark eye beaming with cheerfulness and intelli- 
gence ; and his whole demeanor characteristic of a sober, 
serious man of God. The expedition closed happily ; and 



100 MEMOIR OF THE 

ere summer had set in, Mr. Griswold and his family were 
quietly settled in his new parish. 

In one sense, it is true, this removal could not be con- 
sidered as any advance on the road to distinction. He went 
from the charge of three parishes, with full congregations 
and 220 communicants, to one parish of 25 families, and 
about 20 communicants ; and, though he passed from the 
secluded hills and vales of Litchfield county to the commer- 
cial shores of the beautiful Narraganset, yet the town, in 
which he settled, had perhaps more intercourse with the 
West Indies than with the great world at home ; and he there- 
fore remained as much unknown to our Church at large as 
he was during his sheltered retirement in Connecticut. And 
yet, in another sense, it was a direct move along the road to 
notoriety. It brought him towards the distinction, which he 
did not seek. Events have shewn that the hand of God 
was in it as clearly as in any other movement of his life. 

What he did seek in the change, he found ; relief from the 
pecuniary embarrassments, which were worse to him than 
daily toil and drudgery ; and an opening for direct and ex- 
tensive usefulness in a place, where, little having yet been 
done for the Church, so much the more remained to be done. 
For more than a quarter of a century, Bristol became his 
chosen and his dearest home ; the place where his Christian 
and ministerial character ripened into full development ; the 
field of his best and most successful labors in the vineyard of 
his Master ; and, it may be added, as what bound him to it 
with increased tenderness of affection, and scene of his most 
painfully disciplinary afflictions, and the burial-place of al- 
most the whole of a large family ! 

The parish, though small, was yet endowed with an in- 
come of $600 per annum ; besides a trust fund for the sup- 
port of a Charity School. The annual income of the parish 
constituted the only salary of its Rector. Although inade- 
quate to the support of a family in a place where the expenses 
of living were necessarily large, yet the parish made no 
voluntary addition to it ; and Mr. Griswold was therefore 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 101 

obliged to add to the duties of his rectorship those of a select 
school. 

This operation of the endowment of the parish presents a 
fact, which may be added to several others within my know- 
ledge, illustrative of the truth, that, though such endowments 
may sometimes preserve a parish from extinction amidst the 
unsettling of change and revolution, yet on the whole, they 
minister not to the true strength and growth of the Church. 
Such endowments belong not to our voluntary system; 
and if they are small, they either entail on the parish a minis- 
ter as cheap as his salary, or, if he be worth his support, 
drive him to an exhausting use of private means, or to the 
drudgery of double labor for the comfort of his family. 
There is, in poor human nature, as it grasps the purse, an 
instinctively contractile power, which can never be relaxed 
but by the steadily applied force of generous or of gracious 
habit. When the hand is never opened to give, the heart 
grows too hard to feel; or the lightest demands of benevo- 
lence become a burthen too heavy to be borne. But habit 
makes giving not only easy, but delightful, and meets all 
the demands of benevolence without entrenching on the 
means of doing justice to others and of securing comfort to 
ourselves. 

At the present point in the life of Bishop Griswold, his 
auto-biography again comes in as a more frequent guide ; 
though its riches consist more in the views, which it fur- 
nishes of his own mind, feelings, and growth of character, 
than in any minute details of the events, with which his life 
was filled. It gives the man of God and the minister of 
Christ in growing relief; while it furnishes only here and 
there a reference to a few of the more prominent incidents, 
through which he passed. I present here his first notice ot 
the parish in Bristol. 

" I found in this place a parish of about twenty-five fami- 
lies decidedly attached to the Church, and about the same 
number of communicants. Some others had occasionally 
attended worship there. The congregation, however, so 
rapidly increased, that, in a few years, the Church was not 



102 MEMOIR OF THE 

large enough for their accommodation. Twenty-four feet 
were added to the length of the house : and the new pews 
sold readily, and at such prices that the parish gained several 
hundred dollars to its fund, beyond the cost of the addi- 
tion." 

The prosperity of the parish indicated in this note continu- 
ed, without interruption, during his rectorship, though it was 
more marked at some periods than at others. On this sub- 
ject, however, he says but little in the sketch of his own life. 
He recurs to it, once or twice, at a subsequent date, as we 
shall see ; but, for the present, his mind seems inclined to 
indulge in retrospect, and in general views. He evidently 
regards his entrance on the duties of this parish as a sort of 
central point in his life, upon which the influences of the past 
converge, and from which influences into the future radiate : 
and therefore, with a mere notice of his settlement here and 
its more immediate results, he takes his stand on this as a 
point of observation ; throws his view behind him, around 
him, and before ; glances occasionally at incidents, but dwells 
mostly on the feelings, motives and principles, by which he 
had been governed ; and thus, in his own modest way, 
shews himself without aiming at self-display, and holds up 
a model of character before his clergy without any assump- 
tion of mere official superiority. 

With these preparatory remarks, let us now follow, for a 
while, his own words, and walk by the light, which he sheds 
around himself. 

" Soon after engaging in the duties of the pastoral care, I 
found that my hopes of leisure for much reading were not to 
be realized without a neglect of the very duties fo which I 
was pledged. It was with too much regret, and with too 
little resignation and trust in God, that I was, by a simple 
sense of duty, constrained to relinquish some studies, in 
which I had very much delighted ; especially, Music and 
Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry. 

" Dr. Johnson mentions it as a sad reflection, that he 
knew almost as much at eighteen, as he did at fifty-four. 
In the later years of my life, my mind has been not a little 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 103 

saddened by a like reflection. So very much of my time has 
been occupied in preparing sermons, in great numbers, for 
the pulpit, and in the many other duties of the clerical office, 
that, since my first ordination, I have scarcely been able to 
acquire literary, especially classical knowledge so fast as I 
have forgotten it. Experience and observation have been 
my best human teachers. By them I have learned to cor- 
rect early prejudices and errors, and have acquired know- 
ledge of much use in my ministry. 

" When young, my natural pride and ambition, not sub- 
dued as they should have been, withstood my choosing the 
clerical profession. It appeared to me a relinquishment of 
all hopes of distinction in this present life. I did not then 
duly consider that, in my baptism and confirmation, I had 
already, in profession, renounced the world. And yet, even 
from a child, I had a deeper sense than perhaps is common, 
of propriety or consistency of conduct, and often wondered 
much that many professing Christians, and especially clergy- 
men, should be so conformed to the wisdom and customs, 
? the pomps and vanities, of the world.' When I began to 
attend Conventions and Convocations of the clergy, I was 
much disappointed in hearing and seeing so little of what 
might be truly called religion. The chief use, which I made 
of the observation, was that of a motive to self-examination. 
I have ever been too sensible of my own defects to feel 
qualified for casting the stone at others." 

This is so appropriate a place for an illustrative anecdote, 
that I must interrupt the Bishop a moment while I record it. 
Though it relates to a subsequent period of his life, yet, as 
the order of events is not very strictly observed in the frag- 
ment, from which I have been copying, the anecdote may 
as well be inserted here as in its proper chronological con- 
nexion. 

One of the Bishop's Rhode Island friends had been much 
troubled in mind at the fact that certain persons in the parish 
to which he belonged, though wholly devoted to a fashion- 
able life, were still stated communicants in the Church. 
Having, therefore, an opportunity one day, he laid the case 



104 MEMOIR OF THE 

before the Bishop. " Bishop Griswold," he asked, " does 
it not pain you to see such persons at the sacrament, while 
pursuing a course so wholly inconsistent with their Christian 

profession?" "Mr. /'replied the Bishop, " at that 

holy ordinance, I am so overwhelmed with a sense of my 
own unworthiness, that I have then neither time nor desire 
to scan the unworthiness of others." 

Such a remark from such a man will not of course be re- 
garded as an expression of indifference to the fearful incon- 
sistency, brought to his notice. Upon such inconsistency he 
looked with as keen a pain and as holy a frown as the strict- 
est Christian could desire. But his remark is an index to 
the habits of his own mind ; and was doubtless one of his 
ways of teaching others the great evangelical duty of look- 
ing with a severer judgment on one's self than on others ; 
the important truth that they are least qualified to act as 
judges, who are naturally most censorious in their judg- 
ments. 

After expressing, as above, his sensibility to his own de- 
fects, he thus proceeds : 

u I may say, however, that, from the time of my becoming 
a communicant, and still more from the time of my ordina- 
tion, I determined, by Divine grace, that I would walk con- 
sistently with my profession ; and that my conduct should 
bring no reproach upon religion. But, — though this resolu- 
tion was not without prayer, and was accompanied with 
some sense of my own frailty, yet there was in it too much 
of self-confidence. I had not then so fully learned what ex- 
perience, under God, has since taught, the necessity of Di- 
vine grace, and that, without Christ, we can do nothing. 

" When, therefore, I had, as it were, compelled myself to 
yield to what seemed the Lord's will respecting me, by de- 
voting myself to his service in the work of the ministry, I 
determined to sacrifice the ambitious views of a proud heart ; 
to relinquish all hopes of riches and honors in this present 
life; and to make it my chief object to do good, and be 
useful in the world. And it is hoped that I am not guilty of 
a c vain confidence of boasting,' in saying that I determined, 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 105 

as God should give me grace, to seek, ' by patient contin- 
uance in well-doing, glory and honor and immortality' in an- 
other and better world than this. I reflected much how 
transitory, if attained, is all worldly renown ; and how truly 
it may be said, in the words of the poet, to be 

c The same, — if Tully's, or my own.' 

In this, certainly, I can claim no credit to myself; — for 
c necessity was laid upon me.' My duty to God and his 
Church, and the wants of a large and increasing family, with 
a salary inadequate to their support, required my whole care, 
and my utmost exertions. In my early marriage, and in 
other events, the overruling Providence of God hedged up 
my way. My whole time being engrossed by my parishes 
and by my family, I had none left for the indulgence of my 
natural love and ambition of literary and worldly fame. I 
was driven, as it were, by shipwreck upon Immanuel's 
ground. During a period of about thirty years from my re- 
moval to Bristol, I was but in one instance, so far able to 
forego the calls of duty as to make even a short journey of a 
day or two for rest and relaxation." 

From these remarks it must not be inferred that, during 
this long period Mr. Griswold was a stranger to study, or 
that he spent no time in reading. What he was driven to 
abandon, in this respect, was his favorite indulgence in those 
studies, by which he had at first hoped to raise himself to 
the proud eminence of the scholar's fame ; general Literature 
and Science, " especially Music and Mathematics, Natural 
Philosophy and Chemistry." From these, in obedience to 
his ordination vow, as well as to the stern behests of Pro- 
vidence, he forced off his thoughts, and " drew all his cares 
and studies another way ;" towards the Bible and those au- 
thors by whom the Bible is best illustrated. In these, he 
became deeply learned ; — few Divines, in our country, it is 
believed, have been more so. 

Nor, yet, must it be inferred that his abandonment of his 
originally favorite studies was so entire that he never again 
looked into them. He never again made them objects of 



106 MEMOIR OF THE 

cultivation, or allowed them to interfere for a moment with 
his duties in other directions. And yet, there is some evi- 
dence that even so late as after the period of his consecra- 
tion, he used, occasionally to amuse himself after his old 
fashion, if in no other way, yet by stealing some of his min- 
utes from sleep. Mrs. T., one of his Salem parishioners, in 
whose family he felt himself much at home, relates an inci- 
dent as of no infrequent occurrence. 

Calling one evening, in a familiar way, he became ab- 
sorbed in a book, which interested him. At length, ob- 
serving that the family were evidently waiting for him to 
lay down his book that they might retire, he begged them 
not to sit up on his account ; that he was mueh interested in 
what he was reading ; and that, as he had but little time for 
such enjoyment, he should like, if they had no objections, 
to finish the book before he went home. They retired, ac- 
cordingly, and he remained reading a great part of the 
night. 

The story of the Bishop's buying and reading La Place's 
Mechanique Celeste, I have every reason to believe, is 
strictly true. 

Notwithstanding the remark of one of the reviews, that 
there were but few men in England, who read La Place's 
book, Messrs. Wells and Lilly, at that time well known 
booksellers in Boston, had imported a copy of the work. 
For a time it laid on their counter with no other notice, save 
that now and then a customer would take it up, look at it, 
and lay it down. One day, however, a venerable, white 
headed man came in, and happening to take up the work, 
appeared to become absorbed in its contents. At length, he 
asked the price of it, and, as the incident was related to me, 
bought it and quietly walked away. Mr. Wells, feeling a 
great curiosity to learn the name of the stranger, requested 
his clerk to follow him, and if possible ascertain who he 
was. His clerk did so, and soon saw him enter the house 
of Shubael Bell, Esq., then one of our distinguished laymen 
of Boston, residing in School street. On inquiring at the 
door, he learned that the person, whom he had followed, 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 107 

was none other than Bishop Griswold. Some time after* 
wards, Judge M. of Boston, an intimate friend of the Bi- 
shop, asked him "whether the account were true, and 
whether he read La Place?" — "Yes" replied the Bishop, 
" I have sometimes amused myself that way : but of late, 
finding Mathematics in danger of interfering with my other 
duties, I have laid them aside." This latter part of the 
account I had from Judge M. himself. 

But, to proceed with the auto-biography ; after alluding 
to one instance, in which he was enabled to break away 
from his home-cares and duties, so far as to make a journey 
for rest and relaxation, he adds : 

"That one instance was attended with circumstances 
deeply impressed on my memory. In 1809, when travelling 
by stages was rare, in comparison with what we have since 
known, I went in a chaise with my wife to visit my relations 
in Connecticut, and my brother in Great Barrington (Massa- 
chusetts). The weather being very warm, and, as it hap- 
pened, my journey very fatiguing, I was, at my brother's, 
suddenly taken sick. Being exceedingly desirous, if possi- 
ble, to reach home, I commenced my return, when no one 
thought me in a fit state to leave my bed. After travelling 
ten or fifteen miles, and feeling myself growing more ill, 
I desired to stop and pass the night in Norfolk, Litchfield 
county. But, the innkeeper, supposing my illness to be 
some contagious fever, and fearing danger from the conta- 
gion, was unwilling to entertain me. It is remarkable, that, 
about three months afterwards I heard of his decease. So 
uncertain is human life ! 

" With much difficulty and in great distress, I continued 
six or eight miles further, where I passed the night and had 
a physician with me. The next day, with still greater diffi- 
culty I reached my mother's dwelling in Simsbury ; and by 
the time I reached it, the probability was that my life would 
soon be terminated. Two of the best physicians in those 
parts, who were about my own age, and in the full vigor of 
health, daily attended me, but could see no hope of my re- 
covery. When, for a week or two, it seemed to all that 



108 MEMOIR OF THE 

every day must be my last, the 17th and 18th verses of the 
118th Psalm were almost continually, and in a remarkable 
manner, occurring to my mind : c I shall not die, but live 
and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chas- 
tened me sore ; but He hath not given me over unto death. 5 
It was His gracious will that I should recover ; and never 
since have I read that Psalm without being affected by the 
remembrance of the scene, in which it came so signally to 
my support. 

" That sickness and my recovery from it made, I have 
reason to believe, a good and lasting impression on my 
mind. It was the more affecting from the remarkable cir- 
cumstance, that the two physicians, who attended me, and 
who were my friends and old acquaintance, both died a 
very few months after my illness. From that time, I rejoic- 
ed the more that the way of godliness had, as it seemed, 
been my refuge ; that disappointments and providential 
events had led me to devote myself to God in the ministry 
of the Gospel. Often since have I trembled at what might 
have been my career and my end, had the Lord let me alone, 
or had He ordered all things according to my mind ; and of- 
ten have I thought of the remark of one, who, seeing a con- 
demned criminal led to execution, exclaimed ; ' but for the 
grace of God, I had been in his place !' We are too forget- 
ful who it is that makes us to differ from others. Notwith- 
standing His providential care of me, which, in many instan- 
ces not recorded in this sketch, has been very remarkable, 
and at times very affecting, I must with penitence and shame 
acknowledge how little I have profited by His goodness, 
how continually I have neglected duty, and how often I have 
erred from His righteous ways." 

It will be remembered, that, when sketching his child- 
hood, and recording the almost fatal illness, through which 
he passed when ten years of age, he alludes to two other 
special instances, in which, as if by almost a miracle, he had 
been rescued from death. One of these two instances, we 
have seen reason to believe, was his preservation on "the 
cold Friday" of 1779-80. The other, we may perhaps 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 109 

reasonably conclude, was his deliverance from the peril 
encountered on the journey, of which he has just given 
an account ; — although it is possible that the reason, why 
he singled this from the " many other instances not re- 
corded in this sketch," is to be found, — not in its being more 
remarkable than others, but — in its more special connexion 
with the history of his religious feelings and character. 
Throughout his subsequent life, his travels in the midst of 
serious illness were many times repeated ; nor were there 
wanting other instances of peril from which he was pro- 
videntially rescued. But that just recorded, besides being 
very signal, was evidently associated in his mind with an 
important movement in his divine life, — with a more cordial 
acquiescence in the appointments of God, and with an in- 
crease of light in his views of the great doctrines of grace. 
And it is to my mind a pleasing circumstance that, through 
great suffering, and some seeming unkindness, he was led to 
urge his way onwards till he reached his birth-place ; that 
he there laid himself down apparently to die under the very 
roof, and probably in the very room, where, at ten years of 
age, he considered himself as having already entered the 
dark valley of the shadow of death ; and that, from the 
identical place, where heaven was first opened on his long- 
ing view, he went forth to cast the blessings of his now in- 
creased light along the path of his still prolonged journey- 
ings upon earth. 

Having, in the last two extracts from the auto-biography, 
glanced at the history of his mind in its natural passion for 
reading and general study, and at the history of his religious 
feelings and character under the providential discipline of 
God, he proceeds with a series of remarks on the practical 
habits of his life, which I cannot too earnestly commend to 
the consideration of his readers, especially of those, who are 
engaged, like him, in the work of the ministry. 

" In regard to my pecuniary affairs, though from the first 
my salary was inadequate to the expenses of my family, yet 
I made it a rule thankfully to receive what was allowed or 
given me, and, as already remarked, never to ask for more, 

K 



110 MEMOIR OF THE 

or to complain that I had too little. In Connecticut, I added 
to my means of living by cultivating a few acres of land, 
and by preparing some young men for college ; and, in Bris- 
tol, till my election to the Episcopate, I had the charge of a 
large school. 

" Another rule, which I adopted, was, — always to live 
within my means; — never to be in debt; — to owe no man 
any thing but love ; and ever to be prepared, when called 
upon, to pay my just dues. Never, I believe, have I for 
the same dues been called upon twice. 

" Those of the laity, who are much engaged in worldly 
business, may not always find it convenient" (yet, ought 
not even they to make it always their duty 9) " to do this ; 
but I have St. Paul's authority for recommending it to my 
clerical brethren. Their being in debt is attended with 
some serious evils. They had better, like the Apostle, labor 
with their hands, or become instructors of youth, than anti- 
cipate their resources, or owe that which they cannot pay. 
In many cases, some bodily labor would improve their health, 
prolong their lives, and increase their usefulness. In mere 
literary pursuits, we are in much danger of regarding our 
pleasure, or our fame, beyond what is compatible with our 
solemn dedication of ourselves to the service of God and 
religion, and with our engagement to i draw all our cares 
and studies this way.' What may be called Christian vir- 
tue is — an imitation of Christ) — a desire to do good; a 
readiness gladly to sacrifice, in a reasonable degree, and so 
far as the word of God requires, our wealth, and pleasure, 
and ease, and whatever we delight in, to honor God and to 
promote the true welfare and happiness of our fellow men. 

" It seems not to be duly considered by Christians generally, 
that the foundation of benevolence, the ground-work of 
well-doing, — is — to do no harm ; to avoid every thing inju- 
rious, unjust, or wrong. There are those, and their numbers 
not few, who are very active in doing good, but who yet 
consider little what evils may result from some part of their 
conduct. Men may be much celebrated for their acts of 
charity, or benevolence, or public benefits, while in other 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. Ill 

things, less noticed and less thought of, they inflict evils, 
which balance, and more than balance, their boasted good. 
It had been better for the world if many, whose names stand 
high on the list of fame, had never lived. To be truly good, 
requires no small share of humility. 6 Love worketh no 
ill.' That charity, without which we are nothing that is 
good, ' suffered! long and is kind ; envieth not ; seeketh 
not her own ; is not easily provoked ; thinketh no evil ; 
rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth ; beareth 
all things and endureth all things.' Our blessed Saviour 
said ; i If I honor myself my honor is nothing.' What, 
then, is the ' worldly honor, which we seek, but our 
shame ?' " 

Who, with such propriety and consistency as its author, 
could have written this last and important extract ? With 
what force does he teach by it those whom he has left in 
the world ; men of business in general, but especially men 
engaged in the ministry of the Gospel ! Bishop Griswold, 
it is confidently believed, was a man, who never adopted a 
rule of life, which he did not faithfully observe. Let him, 
then, from his grave, preach powerfully the rules by which 
he lived ; especially those of always living within one's 
means, and of never allowing one's self to be called on 
twice for the payment of a just due. The question is, — 
whether one man, by a little of the salutary discipline of 
self-denial and self-humbling, by putting himself to a little 
pain and toil and suffering, shall always live within his 
means, pay his just debts promptly, and thus keep all others 
from suffering on his account, and render them as far as pos- 
sible comfortable and happy ; — or whether this one man, by- 
yielding to carelessness, or vanity, or pride, or self-pamper- 
ing, shall spend faster than he earns, draw in advance on 
the resources, forbearance, and comforts of others, and 
thus, in the end, entail inconvenience and loss and even 
sufferings on multitudes around him ; — perhaps — on the poor 
and needy, whose services he has enjoyed without ever 
giving them back the means to buy bread ? This living in 
advance and upon others is a deep sin in any man ; but 



112 MEMOIR OF THE 

deepest of all " in man that ministers. " Yet how often is 
it committed under the influence of false views of what con- 
stitutes credit and respectability among men ! Alas ! to 
what credit or respectability can any one be entitled, who is 
known to draw his means of ease, costly dress and sump- 
tuous living from the unpaid toils, or the unrequited sacri- 
fices of others ! And if such an one be a minister of 
Christ, how can the respectable appearance, which he main- 
tains, atone for the injuries, which he inflicts on the cause 
of his Master, or for the reproach, which he brings on his 
own Christian character ? Besides, what minister of Christ 
degrades himself, or loses the respect of others, by those 
self-denials, and self-humb lings, which enable him, though 
it be for a time in coarse attire and in unnoticed seclusion, to 
live within his means, to render to all their dues, and to owe 
nothing but love? Is St. Paul less honored because he 
was a tent-maker, and thereby ministered to his own neces- 
sities, and to the necessities of those, who were with him ? 
Or is even Bishop Griswold less respected because he toiled 
at day's- work, rather than run in debt ; or because he al- 
ways lived in lowly style, that he might have somewhat to 
give to others, besides providing comfortably for his own 
household ? 

After thus noticing some of the rules, which the subject 
of our memoir prescribed to himself for the government of 
his life, I may, with sufficient propriety, make this the place 
for recording a few others, which I find among his private 
papers, though not on the pages of his auto-biography. All, 
who were well acquainted with him, will see at once, from 
what follows, as well as from what has already been given, 
that, with him, rules were a sort of living thing ; or that, 
having adopted them, his life became but their embodied 
spirit. The following are found under the head of 

" RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN EARLY LIFE," 

OR 

" Maxims and rules, which I have adopted and endeavored to practice." 

" 1. Never to ask another to do for me what I can as well 
do for myself. 



LITE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 113 

" 2, When censured, or accused, to correct, not justify, 
my error. 

" 3. From a child, in reading any thing applicable to the 
improvement of the mind, or to the conduct of life, to con- 
sider first and chiefly how it may be applied to myself. 

" 4. In all clashing claims, where rights are equal, and 
one must yield, to do it myself. 

" 5. To have a trust that, in all the events and exigencies 
of life, if I strictly do my duty, and walk according to the 
Christian rule, however I may seem to suffer, what is really 
best for me the Lord will give." 

Upon the first of these rules, Bishop Griswold acted, to 
the last day of his life, more literally than any other man, 
within my knowledge ; so literally that he would not allow 
a domestic, in his presence, to carry a pail of water to his 
sleeping apartment, or an armfull of wood into his study. 
He would often interrupt them as they were ascending the 
stairs, take their burthens from them, and carry them up 
himself. And as he ordinarily kept no man-servant, he stu- 
died, by every means in his power, to lighten the drudgery 
of the female members of his household. A gentleman, 
who was for a time a boarder in his family, was accustomed, 
on retiring to rest, to set his boots in the passage, outside 
the door of his room. Of course he always found them, 
the next morning, nicely brushed and ready for use. After 
a while, however, he accidentally discovered, to his utter 
astonishment, that he had, all along, been indebted for his 
clean boots to the Bishop ! It is needless to add that he in- 
stantly put a stop to this mode of being so honorably served. 

I should not record private details like these in so grave a 
work as the life of a Bishop, were it not that, in the present 
case, they were actual developments of high, generous feel- 
ing and principle. They were not whims ; nor were they 
habits cleaving to one incapable of rising above early 
modes of life. A little mind, raised by accident from ob- 
scurity, may make itself ridiculous by pretending to utter 
ignorance of humble toil ; — but a noble mind, which has 
risen by its own force 3 has feelings for the children of drudg- 



114 MEMOIR OF THE 

ing poverty, into which none but itself can enter ; and will 
often long, even when it is not in its power, and with a 
yearning of sympathy which even itself cannot express, to 
lighten the burthens, which others are bearing in its service. 
This feeling, without doubt, prompted the following senti- 
ments, which I find among the Bishop's private papers. 

" I have always," he remarks, " had great respect for 
those who labor, bearing the heaviest burthens of life, pro- 
viding us with food and raiment, and with almost every 
thing, that preserves life, and renders it comfortable. None, 
better than they, deserve the comforts, to which they so 
largely contribute." 

Again, he remarks in another place ; — " What do not 
those, in the more easy circumstances of life, owe to the 
laboring classes ; especially, masters to their servants ! The 
latter ' are born with fortune's yoke upon their necks.' At 
best it is a painful burthen, which they, for whose benefit 
it is borne, should not increase but lighten." 

Who can doubt that, when he wrote the rule, "Never to 
ask another to do for me what I can as well do for myself ;" 
and whenever he acted in obedience to his rule in light- 
ning the burthens of those who served him ; he was but im- 
bodying, not only into a maxim, but also into a principle, the 
generous sympathies of a truly noble nature ? 

Upon the second of the rules, above recorded, he com- 
ments thus : "I have observed that a hasty, inconsiderate 
self-justification and resentment of censure or reproof, is a 
very general and a very injurious propensity of our nature." 
The following incident will illustrate the manner, in which 
he applied this rule to practice. It was communicated ver- 
bally by the late Rev. Matthias Munroe, who was a native 
of Bristol, and for many years enjoyed the Bishop's pastoral 
supervision. 

During his residence in Bristol, a Baptist minister, with 
more of zeal than of discretion, became impressed with the 
conviction that the Bishop was a mere formalist in religion, 
and that it was his duty to go and warn him of his danger, 
and exhort him to " flee from the wrath to come." Accord- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 



115 



ingly, he called upon the Bishop ; very solemnly made 
known his errand, and forthwith entered on his harangue. 
The Bishop listened in silence, till his self-constituted in- 
structor had closed a severely denunciatory exhortation; 
and then, in substance, replied as follows : — " My dear 
friend, I do not wonder that they, who witness the inconsis- 
tency of my daily walk, and see how poorly I adorn the 
doctrine of God my Saviour, should think that I have no 
religion. I often fear for myself that such is the case ; and 
feel very grateful to you for giving me this warning." The 
reply was made with such an evidently unaffected humility, 
and with such a depth of feeling and sincerity, that if an 
audible voice from heaven had attested the genuineness of 
his Christian character, it could not more effectually have 
silenced his kindly intending, but misjudging censor, or 
more completely have disabused him of his false impression. 
He immediately acknowledged his error, begged the Bishop's 
pardon, and ever afterwards looked upon him as one of the 
distinguished lights of the Christian world. 

Upon the third of the foregoing rules, his life was a com- 
ment which needs no addition, other than the remark that 
for self-culture, self-discipline and self-control, (understand- 
ing by these terms a distinct and pious reference to the grace 
of God as his sufficiency,) his age probably furnished not 
his superior : While it is enough to say of the fourth, that, 
though he reduced it literally to practice, yet, when clashing 
claims were unequal, and when the superior right lay clearly 
on his side, especially if he felt bound to assert this right as 
a matter of conscience, there was not a man living more in- 
flexible in his adherence to the line of duty than himself. 
Though he could cheerfully sacrifice himself in obedience to 
his maxim, and even when his own clear rights were mat- 
ters of little moment, yet on all points, which involved im- 
portant interests, and touched the ground of conscience, he 
was perfectly immovable. 

The fifth rule is an upward index to a lofty Christian 
character. It points to his habitual and high repose in God ; 



116 MEMOIR OF THE 

and in his life-long experience he found that, ultimately, it 
never disappointed his trust. 

But, it is time to proceed with our extracts from the auto- 
biography. It will next lead us to look abroad from its 
author upon the condition of the Church in his day. 

" They who are now young cannot easily appreciate the 
change, which, within the last thirty years, has been silently 
wrought among the clergy of our Church in their religious 
views, and in their style of preaching. This remark is true 
so far certainly as my own knowledge has extended. What 
is now generally required as faithful preaching of the Gospel, 
would then have given offence to very many of our most 
staunch Episcopalians ; while, the style of preaching, then 
most in vogue among us, would now be generally regarded 
as very defective. The deep-rooted and violent opposition 
to Episcopacy, which was then cherished in Connecticut, 
was not, by Episcopalians themselves, borne with that meek- 
ness and charity and pious trust in God, which, as we are 
now more sensible, becometh the disciples of Christ. A 
spirit of sectarianism and of controversy was prevalent among 
all denominations ; and, as usually happens in such cases, 
all could more easily see the faults of others than their own. 
Before the revolutionary war, and during that contest, the 
Congregationalists, — who then considered themselves as 
* the standing order,' (in their sense, the established religion 
of the State,) to whom the ground of right belonged, — were 
of course opposed to the introduction within their borders of 
any other denomination ; and to that of the Episcopal Church 
most of all. The thought of a Bishop's being brought into 
the State, they contemplated with great abhorrence. Indeed, 
this abhorrence, this strong opposition to Episcopacy of the 
Dissenters, as they were then called, and the consequent fear 
of offending them, furnished one of the chief reasons why 
the British Government, so long as we continued subject to 
them, would not permit us to have Bishops in these their 
Colonies. 

"As a sample of the dread of Bishops, which, among the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 117 

common people, then prevailed ; one of my neighbors, who 
was born about 1745, told me that, when a child, he was 
taught that, if Bishops should come into this country, they 
would take from the people a tenth of every thing; children 
not excepted : and, as he happened to be the tenth child of 
his parents, it was then, he said, his ardent desire that he 
might immediately die, in case a Bishop were permitted to 
set his foot on our shores !" 

This dread of Bishops was not confined to Connecticut; 
nor, at least in some other places, to the common people. 
Mr. J. M., a venerable man, still living in vigorous old age, 
and formerly a merchant of Boston, once related to me an 
anecdote still more striking than that just recorded ; so strik- 
ing that I believe I have scarcely forgotten a word of it. 

When I was an Apprentice (said Mr. M.) to old master 
Eliot, who was at that time an eminent merchant of Boston, 
and belonged to the highly respectable family of that name 
in the city, I entered the breakfast room one cold winter 
morning, where, though the hour was early, I found one of 
my fellow apprentices engaged in reading the newspaper. 
He was a very intelligent and pious young man, and a mem- 
ber of the Rev. Mr. Eliot's Church. I saw he was much 
interested in what he was reading, for his countenance indi- 
cated the workings of intense feeling. In a few moments, he 
dropped the paper, and turning to me, with startling emphasis 
exclaimed; " then, M , I am a dead man !" In amaze- 
ment, I begged an explanation of his meaning. " Read that 
article," said he, handing me the paper, which he had drop- 
ped. I took it, and, from an English extract, read, what, 
afterwards indeed, proved to be a premature, or rather un- 
founded announcement, to the following effect ; (I have for- 
gotten said he, both dates and names,) " On day of the 

month, will sail from this port in his majesty's ship, , 

the Rev. Dr. , who is expected to go out as first Bishop 

of New England." "Why, my friend," I replied, " I see 
in this no reason for your exclamation." " No reason 6 !" he 
rejoined, with the same startling emphasis: "No reason ! 
Why, I tell you M , if this announcement prove true, 



118 MEMOIR OF THE 

the moment Dr. sets his foot on Long Wharf, Boston, 

as Bishop of New England, I will shoot him ! And the next 
moment, I will surrender myself into the hands of justice 
with the certainty of being hanged ! I feel that, by such a 
deed, I should be doing God service." 

The auto-biography proceeds : "It was this violent and 
extreme abhorrence of the Church of England, and this 
desire to suppress it, which the rather induced the ministers 
of the Congregational Churches to engage so warmly in our 
revolutionary contest ; and to preach war instead of peace. 
In their sermons and prayers, and by all possible means, they 
roused the people to arms, and to hatred of the British.* In 
the year 1776, when I was ten years of age, one of my 
father's hired "men, who was a Congregationalist, asked me 
to accompany him to one of their ordinations. I went : an4 
though so young was yet shocked at the bitter imprecations 
of their ministers against the English. They prayed that 
their enemies' ships might all be dashed against the rocks, 
and their cre^s be sunk to the bottom of the Ocean ! &c. &c. 
How different did it all seem to me from those prayers of the 
Church, to which I had been accustomed ; and from what I 
had been taught of the Christian duty of beseeching God to 
forgive our enemies, not destroy them ! And how blind is 
the wisdom of man to the ways of God ! How little did they 
foresee that 'their effort to eradicate the Church from this 
country, though for a while they seemed to succeed, were, in 
the ordering of God's Providence, opening the way for its 
establishment and rapid increase!" 

The object of the auto-biography in this extract is, not to 
revive the influence of unpleasant recollections ; thanks be 
to God, the day of their influence, it may be hoped, is for- 
ever past : but to exhibit one of the sources of that style of 
preaching in former days among the clergy of the Episcopal 
Church, wiriich, as he had remarked, has now been so gener- 
ally changed for a better. Hence he goes on to observe : 

" The clergy of the Episcopal Church are men of like 

* See Note to p. 24. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GPJSWOLD. 119 

passions with others. It is not strange that those times, 
4 which tried men's souls,' should have shewn that we all 
come short of perfection. I carried with me to Bristol too 
much of the prejudice and bigotry, which I had imbibed in 
Connecticut. There was still remaining among Episcopali- 
ans not a little of that proud contempt of the Puritans, and 
of what was termed fanaticism, which belonged to the so 
called ' Old School,' whose origin may be said to date in 
the reign of the Second Charles of England. Adopting the 
practice of my brethren, whom I thought wiser than myself, 
my preaching had been far too much on sectarian distinctions, 
and topics of controversy, especially against high Calvinism 
and schismatics ; and quite too frequently in defence of the 
distinctive principles of the Protestant Episcopal Church, to 
the too great neglect of the essential doctrines of Christ, and 
of the necessary duties of Christians. This manner of preach- 
ing among our clergy very much strengthened the belief 
among other denominations that Churchmen, as we were 
then called, were but formalists and bigots ; regarding the 
Church more than religion, and the Prayer-book more than 
the Bible ; departing from their own Articles and Homilies, 
and destitute of true piety and renovation of heart. And 
much mortified, grieved and humbled have I formerly been, 
that these things should be so much said, and I so little able 
to refute them. 

Pudet hasc opprobria nobis, 



Et dici potuisse, et not potuisse refelli 

To God's praise, not ours, be it said, that at the present time 
a far better state of things among us prevails. 

u And not only are things in a better state now; but even 
then, this bigotry and sectarian spirit were, I have reason to 
believe, more prevalent in Connecticut than in other portions 
of our Church. This was owing, no doubt, to their peculiar 
circumstances and trials, as well as to the character of a State 
formerly so noted for controversy and litigation. Certainly 
in Rhode Island I found a materially different condition of 
things. Those of my sermons, which, in Connecticut, had 



120 MEMOIR OF THE 

appeared to be most acceptable and were most applauded, 
gave offence in Bristol, Providence and Newport ; and I soon 
found that, by continuing the controversial style of preach- 
ing, some of the most pious of her members would be driven 
from the Church. This was particularly tru^ of those called 
Methodists. They had recently formed a Society in Bristol, 
consisting of a few respectable people, who had been com- 
municants in the Congregational Church. On my arrival in 
Bristol, they had a minister who preached for them one half 
of the time ; and as I was informed, (too late indeed) they 
at once passed a resolution in their meeting, that they would, 
for the other half, attend my ministry. It has since been my 
belief, that had I, in my teaching at that time, followed the 
example of St. Paul, (1 Cor. ii. 2; ix. 19 — 22.) they would 
have united with the Episcopal Church. But, the Lord 
reigns ; and perhaps He ordered it for the best. The Epis- 
copal Church was soon rilled ; and the Methodists soon had 
a large Society there, and have been instrumental of much 
good." 

This extract is valuable as furnishing unequivocal proof 
of an important change in the views, as well as in the course, 
which had been adopted by Mr. Griswold, upon his entrance 
into the ministry. There is, indeed, no reason for supposing 
that he ever caught the controversial mania in its full viru- 
lence. From the very first, he evidently belonged to the 
more serious and spiritual class of the clergy of our Church, 
and had a standard both of religious feeling and of religious 
action altogether higher than that, which had been set up 
around him. Still, the idea, which I have, from time to 
time, intimated, that his views were not, at first, clearly and 
fully developed, and that events in the providence of God 
subsequently wrought a marked change in his character both 
as a Christian, and as a minister of Christ, is abundantly 
sustained. When he wrote the last extract, at the age of 
seventy-four, he was far from being, religiously, the same 
man as when he kept the Methodists from uniting under his 
ministry by a style of preaching, which has, no doubt, in 
numberless other instances, been the means of shutting out 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 121 

from our Church her best materials for growth, and even of 
expelling from her veins some of her own best life-blood. 
Experience has, I apprehend, demonstrated that the best 
way of extending the institutions of our Episcopacy is not 
found in asserting for them exclusive claims ; in the dogma, 
" No Bishop, no Church ;" or in a course, which shews that 
there is more heart, more zeal, and more ability in preaching 
Church government and Church polity, than in preaching 
Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Our exclusive claims are 
abundantly fraught with excluding energies ; and well would 
it be for us if, when those claims have been pressed to the 
extreme point of shutting out from our communion much of 
the best religious portion of the community, instead of re- 
proaching them for having cut themselves off from the Church 
Catholic and her covenant, we all had the heart of Bishop 
Griswold, to say: "the Lord reigns; and perhaps He has 
ordered it for the best." With such a spirit, as the fruit of 
our sad experience, we should at least have the best prospect 
of being able thankfully to add ; " The Episcopal Church 
will soon be filled, though the Methodists also have a large 
Society, and are happily instrumental of much good." 

In what respect the change, to which I have adverted, in 
Mr. Griswold's views and practice, first began to manifest 
itself, and to contribute to the result of filling the Episcopal 
Church under his ministry, may perhaps be gathered from 
the next extract to be made from his auto-biography. 

" So far as I know," he writes, "I was, of our clergy in 
New England, the first to hold evening lectures. Though 
this is now a thing so common, yet it was then by many of 
our good people exceedingly disliked. Our Bishop in Con- 
necticut once observed in my hearing ; i night preaching 
and pulpit praying are two things, which I abhor.' But 
other denominations practised both ; and soon after my set- 
tlement in Bristol I found that many of my parishioners at- 
tended their meetings ; and it was, at first, from fear of the 
result of their straying away among those, who appeared to 
have more zeal, that I proposed to our Vestry, and with diffi- 
culty obtained their leave, to open my Church for a third 

L 



122 MEMOIR OF THE 

service on Sunday evenings. I have had reason to believe 
that this was the most fruitful part of my ministry, because 
more people attended at the third service, than at the other 
two, not a few of whom attended our service at no other 
time. I continued the practice of three services every Sun- 
day for thirty years ; so long indeed as I had a parish parti- 
cularly under my pastoral care." 

A pretty good proof is here furnished that he had done 
shutting the doors of the Church by turning the oft-heard 
key of her excluding claims ; and that, in opening them, he 
had also found the secret of drawing in those, who had be- 
fore been shut out ; the simple secret of shewing that the 
Church can be quite as full of the Gospel of Christ crucified 
as she is of letters patent to successorship from the apos- 
tles, in the line of the ministry, which they organized. 

Of the amount of labor, which he thus added, we may 
form some estimate, by reflecting, that, during the thirty 
years which he mentions, he had charge either of a large 
school, which engrossed the usual day-time of each week, or 
of a large Diocese, which, within its wide circuit, brought 
upon him " the care of all the Churches," even while not en- 
gaged in his visitations ; that he burnt many hundreds of his 
early sermons, which he had found comparatively useless ; and 
that thus, amidst the multiplied and combined cares of family, 
school, parish and diocese, he was constantly driven to the 
writing of new sermons, sometimes while relieving his wife 
of the care of the children, sometimes by stealing hours from 
sleep, and sometimes, peradventure, by abstracting them 
from his meals; as when, in the solitary school-house at 
East Plymouth, he was summoned from his preparation for 
Sunday to the rescue of the drowning boy. 

In reference to that portion of his life, which I have been 
reviewing, I have but two more extracts from the auto-bio- 
graphy to give. The dangerous illness, into which he fell 
at his brother's, and on his way home, and of which he has 
given so afTectingly simple an account, happened, it will be 
remembered, in 1809; five years after his settlement at 
Bristol. It is in allusion to this that he says : 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 123 

" After the sickness above mentioned, my health was but 
slowly regained ; and I found that the labor of preaching 
three times each Sunday, besides occasional lectures in Lent, 
especially with the sole care of a large school, was what I 
should not be able long to endure. Under these circum- 
stances, I remembered the words of Bishop Jarvis, that after 
a few years' absence, he should expect me to return to his 
Diocese. I therefore visited Connecticut, and was very 
earnestly invited to take the rectorship of a Church in a situa- 
tion and on terms, which to me and mine were very pleas- 
ing. I accepted the invitation, and had determined on the 
time when I would visit the place and make the necessary 
arrangements for removing my family. But I was diverted 
from my purpose by an occurrence to me totally unexpected, 
and in my view exceedingly providential." 

The parish to which he was thus invited, and the charge 
of which he thus accepted, was that of St. Michael's, in the 
beautiful and important town of Litchfield, about eight miles 
from Harwinton, and the same distance from Northfield, in 
his former cure. Of this parish of St. Michael's the present 
writer was afterwards Rector. Some of my parishioners 
there had once been members of the Harwinton parish 
during Mr. Griswold's early ministry; and well do I re- 
member the terms of profound respect and of affectionate 
remembrance, in which they were wont to speak of their 
former beloved minister ; as well as the expressions of deep 
regret, which they, in common with the elder members of 
the Litchfield parish, used to express when speaking of their 
disappointed hopes of sitting once more under his ministry. 
Before looking at the "unexpected" and "providential oc- 
currence," which was the occasion of their disappointment, 
it will be proper to go back and look at some things in 
Rhode Island, at which the auto-biography has not yet 
glanced. 

The religious condition of the parish in Bristol, when Mr. 
Griswold became its Rector, was emphatically at low tide. 
Its number of communicants was very small; while even 
this small number was not characterized by any very en- 



124 > MEMOIR OF THE 

lightened views of Christian truth, or of Christian character. 
Whenever they were met together for the purpose of talking 
about religion, they were in the habit of dismissing the young 
people from the room, as though they were not expected to 
take any interest in the subject. Of course, the mass of the 
population were sadly regardless of its claims. But, long 
before he left the place, a marked change in its religious 
character had been produced, in which he was felt and ac- 
knowledged to have been largely instrumental. He was 
reverenced and beloved, as a man who exerted a deep, 
steady, healthful influence, and who exerted that influence 
in such a way as to constrain respect and kindness even 
from those, who refused to follow his instructions. He was 
in one sense irresistible even to the wicked, in that his man- 
ners, though holy, were yet kind ; and in that his reproofs, 
though faithful, were yet gentle. " The notoriously sinful 
and profane quailed at his presence, and were compelled to 
shew him their respect." Such is the written language of 
one, who has lived in his family and been long under his 
ministry ; and it is evidently a version of the remark, which 
I heard from several during my visit to Bristol, that the very 
drunkard in the street, if he happened to see Bishop Gris- 
wold coming, and so near that he could not retreat from sight, 
would at least steady himself against the nearest post, or 
wall of a house, and maintain all possible gravity and re- 
spectfulness until the holy man had passed out of view. 

In the year 1805, less than twelve months after his settle- 
ment in Bristol, he began to descend into that vale of tears, 
through which he was afterwards so long in passing, and from 
which he never wholly emerged till it opened for his own en- 
trance into the dark valley of the shadow of death. By his first 
wife, he had a family of twelve beautiful and lovely children ; 
ten of whom faded and fell victims before his eyes to that 
pale and wan destroyer, the Consumption ; though all of them, 
but one, lived in health and loveliness to be over twenty years 
of age. The one, that died first and earliest, was his daughter 
Harriet, in the twelfth year of her age. It was in her death that 
he began, with a trembling hand, to lift the cup of deep sor- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 125 

rows to his unmurmuring lips. On this subj ect, however, I will 
not dwell at present. It will be better to recur to it, when 
we can look upon him as he stood in the vineyard of his 
Master, a tree loaded with the rich and ripe fruits of sancti- 
fied affliction. 

In the year 1806 he was prominently engaged, as a mem- 
ber of the Rhode Island Convention, in an attempt, which 
was then made to supply our Church in that State with the 
services of a Bishop. The progress and result of this attempt 
he thus records : 

"After the death of Bishop Parker, which happened Dec. 
6, 1804, six months after my removal to Bristol, much 
anxiety was expressed by a few of our clergy in Rhode 
Island respecting the Episcopal supervison of our Churches 
in that State. After much deliberation and some delay, the 
subject was considered in a Convention, which met in New- 
port, Nov. 12, 1806 ; when it was unanimously determined 
to invite Bishop Moore of New York to take those Churches 
under his Episcopal charge. It was judged that the age 
and infirmities of Bishop Jarvis would render it very incon- 
venient for him to visit Rhode Island. A Committee was 
appointed by the Convention, and myself by the Committee, 
to acquaint Bishop Moore of the election, and to express the 
earnest desire of those Churches that he would extend to 
them his Episcopal supervision." 

The auto-biography then gives an extract from the letter, 
which Mr. Griswold, as chairman of the Committee, ad- 
dressed to Bishop Moore, in pursuance of their appointment. 
But, as I happen to have the original " rough draught" of 
that letter, I will give the whole ; though, doubtless, as it 
was finally sent to Bishop Moore, it w r as in a somewhat 
amended form. The extract above alluded to, however, 
constitutes the body of the letter, and is of course given in 
its final shape. It differs so little from the corresponding 
part of the original in my possession, as to make it probable 
that the whole is substantially correct. 



126 MEMOIR OF THE 



"Nov. ,1806." 



" Right Reverend and dear Sir, — The Convention of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in Rhode Island convened 
through the blessing of God at Newport, on the 12th Nov. 
instant. The members were unusually punctual in their at- 
tendance, and all the parishes were duly represented. The 
want of a Bishop to preside over this Church was, as you 
will readily suppose, the subject most interesting to the whole 
Convention; and after that mature deliberation, which its 
magnitude and importance required, it was unanimously 
agreed to proceed to an election. The result you will see in 
the copy of the vote inclosed ; which not less from inclina- 
tion than from duty, we most respectfully submit to your 
charitable consideration. With much pleasure we assure 
you that the greatest harmony prevailed during the whole 
business. In truth, there was but one mind on the subject 
in the whole Convention. 

"We whose names are underwritten were appointed a 
Committee to acquaint you with the election and to solicit 
your acceptance. This latter part of our duty we now most 
sincerely perform : 

" Unwilling as we are to add to the burden of your duties, 
which are many and laborious, yet relying on your well 
known zeal for the religion of Christ, and the prosperity of 
his kingdom, and considering the wants of our few Churches 
in this State, we do most earnestly entreat you to take them 
under your Episcopal charge. The Churches in the state of 
New York, actuated by that charity, which seeketh not her 
own, will, we doubt not, consent that their brethren in Rhode 
Island should participate in the benefit of your Pastoral care. 
Our distance from your place of residence, considering the 
facility of communication, will not, we trust, be thought an 
objection. At present, we cannot hope, in that respect, to 
form a connexion more convenient. Our parishes are few 
in number and so situated as to be easily visited. The 
unanimity and earnestness, with which all our people join 
in this request, present a pleasing prospect that, through the 
divine blessing, your consent to our request will be attended 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 127 

with very beneficial effects ; while, from your refusal, serious 
evils may justly be feared. For, besides the little hope of 
equal harmony in another election, where can we look for 
aid ? In Massachusetts the Episcopate is vacant. The Dio- 
cese of Connecticut is indeed supplied with a worthy Bishop ; 
but the infirm state of his health, and the tediousness of the 
road by land, leave us no hope for benefit by his labors. It 
is, Rt. Rev. Sir, to you alone, under God, that we can look 
with hope for that aid, which is likely to awaken the zeal 
and promote the union and prosperity of this Church. This 
aid, as well in behalf of ourselves as of the Churches which 
we represent, we most earnestly request you to vouchsafe 
us. 

Praying God to bless and long continue your pious labors, 
and useful ministry in His Church, 

We remain, Right Reverend and dear Sir, 
Most respectfully, your friends and brethren," 

Alexander V. Griswold, ) n ... 
rni i ni. i Committee, 

lneodore Dehon, ) 

" We had entertained the hope," says the auto-biography, 
" that he would accede to our request, and were much dis- 
appointed, and not a little discouraged, when his answer de- 
clining it, was received. His letter is probably among the 
records of the Convention in Rhode Island." 

A copy of this letter I have in my possession, from which 
it appears that the Rev. Theodore Dehon, afterwards Bishop 
in South Carolina, was one of the Committee, above named, 
of which Mr. Griswold was chairman. Of how many, or of 
what other members the Committee consisted it does not ap- 
pear. The letter was as follows : 

"New York, Dec. 29th, 1806." 

" Rev. and Dear Sir, — .The vote of your Convention, ex- 
pressive of a desire to place the Church in Rhode Island 
under my superintendence, is a token of respect and confi- 
dence, which cannot be otherwise than very grateful to my 
mind. I am perfectly sensible that the prosperity of our 



128 MEMOIR OF THE 

Church greatly depends upon the regular performance of 
the duties, which are peculiarly Episcopal. It is, therefore, 
with deep regret that I find myself under the absolute neces- 
sity of declining the honorable offer, which your Convention 
has been pleased to make. A similar application was lately 
made from South Carolina, with which it was not in my 
power to comply. So numerous and incessant are the duties 
already incumbent upon me, that I cannot consent to multi- 
ply my engagements ; as I should then continually live un- 
der the painful consciousness of undertaking a task, that 
could not be performed. 

Be pleased to make my sincere respects to the gentle- 
men of the Convention, and signify to them my determina- 
tion on this occasion. 

I remain, Rev. and Dear Sir, 

Your very affectionate friend and brother, 

Benjamin Moore." 

With the inception and failure of this measure began, con- 
tinued and ended the independent efforts of the Episcopal 
Church in Rhode Island to supply itself with the oversight 
of a Bishop ; and for nearly five years longer it, in common 
with our Churches in Massachusetts, Vermont and New 
Hampshire, remained in that feeble and uncertain condition, 
which must ever mark the infancy of our Church, while des- 
titute of Episcopal care and services. 

Meanwhile, the subject of our memoir continued to pur- 
sue his toilful and self-sacrificing way ; a way little diversi- 
fied with incidents, other than those presented in the daily 
and weekly round of duties in his school and in his parish, 
until the period of his projected return to Connecticut. His 
course of life was, in some respects, different from what it 
had been in his former parishes, especially in the interest 
and part, which he was called to take in the annual Conven- 
tions of Rhode Island ; — but it was equally laborious and 
more exhausting. Voluntarily assuming an extra amount of 
duty on the Lord's-day ; and contriving to support and edu- 
cate a growing family on an inadequate salary by adding the 
labors of a school to those of a parish ; he was necessarily 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 129 

much confined, and, beyond his parish and the Convention, 
but little known. While, as we have seen, the multiplica- 
tion of his cares and his almost constant confinement to 
sedentary habits under intense application of mind, were 
secretly and slowly wearing down the strength of even his 
uncommonly vigorous constitution. His hours, indeed, 
could not well be more completely engrossed than they had 
been in Connecticut ; but it is plain that the manner, in 
which they were spent, was less favorable to firm health. 

The character of society around him, and the class of 
minds over which his influence was exerted, were consider- 
ably changed. There was in Bristol more of that artificial 
life which accompanies wealth and education, than there had 
been in Litchfield county. But, amidst it all he continued 
the same humble, laborious and world-renouncing man ; 
while, the character of his own mind, rising with the exi- 
gences that tasked it, was found as adequate to the work of 
influencing and moulding the elements about him, as when 
he moved in the simplest circles of the most rural life. Al- 
though he never was a man, who arrested popular attention 
at once, and who, wherever he went, assumed forthwith the 
port of command, the attitude of a leader, yet he was a 
man, whose mind, in proportion as you came close to it, 
and pressed your demands on its powers, exhibited those 
powers in their richest variety, and in their true extent. He 
was a man, whose influence always grew with the contin- 
uance of his citizenship in any particular place. If he did 
not strike at once, he struck surely ; and what he gained in 
influence he never lost. The more nearly thinldng men in- 
spected him, the more highly they respected him. His hu- 
mility kept him voluntarily low ; but, if you attempted to 
handle him roughly, or to press him down, you must be 
much of a man indeed not to find him rising above you. 
He would willingly be the servant of all ; but if you at- 
tempted to treat him as a servant, he was quite likely to 
prove your master. And yet, he never asserted and shewed 
his superiority by imitating rudeness and insolence, or by 
retaliating a wrong. On the contrary, both under favorable 



130 MEMOIR OF THE 

and under unfavorable pressure, his superiority was seen in 
this ; that, when you came near him, with friendly intent, 
you found yourself in contact with great goodness and with 
decided strength ; while, if you approached with unfriendly 
purpose, you found him your superior for the very reason 
that high powers, penetrated with real goodness, always 
shew to the best advantage when you treat them most rough- 
ly. If you attempt to press such a man down, and then 
look for him below you, you are sure to find him above. The 
cheerful humility, the voluntary lowliness of Mr. Griswold 
was through life favorable to true growth and permanency 
of influence. If it kept him low and much out of sight, it 
kept him so much nearer the people, the great mass of life and 
strength in every country. He did his work in the depths, not 
on the surface of society. He was a diamond in the mine, 
ready to shine whenever brought out ; and cut, most provi- 
dentially and most fitly, for the occasion which was so soon 
to draw him forth to view. 

To this occasion he alludes in the last extract, which I 
have given from his auto-biography. When he accepted 
the call to Litchfield, our Churches in the four States of 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont, 
were on the very eve of that Convention, which elected 
him Bishop of the Eastern Diocese. The preparatory mea- 
sures, which led to that Convention, had all been matured 
before he received the call to Litchfield ; and in those mea- 
sures, so far as the concurrent action of the Rhode Island 
Convention was required, he had, as we shall see, borne his 
full share. And yet, so utterly without thought was he of 
becoming himself a candidate for the Bishopric about to 
be created, that he was on the very point of removal from 
the limits of the Diocese, which was to be formed ; and 
was prevented from carrying his purpose into effect by no- 
thing but an occurrence the most purely providential in its 
character. It is needless to say that, if he had not thus been 
withheld from returning to Connecticut, a man so utterly un- 
known as he was to the Churches in Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire would never have been thought of for the office 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 131 

to be filled. In view of these circumstances we are prepared 
to appreciate the perfect sincerity with which he penned the 
sentence, when, speaking of his expected removal to Litch- 
field, he says : " I was diverted from my purpose by an oc- 
currence, to me totally unexpected, and in my view exceed- 
ingly providential." 

The measures which led to the organization of the East- 
ern Diocese and its result deserve a separate and particular 
notice. It is enough to say here, that the Convention, in 
which the organization was perfected, assembled in the city 
of Boston, on the 29th day of May, 1810 ; that Mr. Gris- 
wold was elected Bishop on the 31st of that month ; and 
that his consecration took place in the city of New York 
just one year from the assembling of the Convention, — i. e. ; 
on the 29th day of May, 1811, a few weeks after his en- 
trance on the 46th year of his age. 



132 MEMOIR OF THE 



ACCOUNT OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE EASTERN DIOCESE, AND OF THE 
ELECTION AND CONSECRATION OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 

In proceeding, now, to detail the facts, which lie at the 
origin of the Eastern Diocese, and which led to the conse- 
cration of Bishop Griswold, the best preface, which I can 
give, will be found in the brief and simple narrative, which 
he has himself furnished in his auto-biography. Having 
recorded the failure of the effort in Rhode Island, to place 
those Churches under the care of Bishop Moore, he proceeds ; 

" After that, nothing respecting this business was done 
till the proposal which was made for a union of the Eastern 
States in one Diocese. This was first mentioned to me by 
the Rev. Wm. Montague, whom for the first time I then 
saw. But, as I had already determined to return to Con- 
necticut, I thought it not proper that I should take any part 
in the business ; and I have often wondered since that I did 
not then feel more interest in it, and make more inquiry 
about what was done and doing respecting it. At that time, 
I was still relying too much on my own wisdom, and occu- 
pied with what seemed to me the best course for my future 
life. Notice was sent me of the proposed Convention of the 
four States, to be held in Boston for the purpose of electing 
a Bishop. But, considering that I should not belong to the 
new Diocese, I thought it was not my duty to take any part 
in the choice of its Bishop. And it so happened that my 
appointment to visit Litchfield and make preparations for my 
removal, was at the same time with the meeting of the pro- 
posed Convention. The Rev. Mr. Ward, then officiating 
in Newport, who was a native of Litchfield and wished to 
visit his friends there, had agreed to accompany me. But, 
a day or two before we were to commence our journey, he 
sent me word that he had been taken ill, and requested me 
to postpone it till the following week. I was not a little dis- 
appointed ; still, I consented to his request. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 133 

" While I was thinking of this disappointment, it sudden^ 
ly occurred to me, that, as my school had been dismissed, 
and I was therefore not particularly engaged, it would be 
pleasant to attend the Convention and become acquainted 
with the clergy, who were then almost all strangers to me. 
On my way to Boston, my mind became suddenly and deep- 
ly impressed with the importance to the Church of the busi- 
ness, on which we were about to meet ; and most earnestly 
did I pray that the Lord would mercifully direct us in what 
we should do. In Boston, I called on the Rev. Mr. Bron- 
son, (the clerical delegate from Vermont,) who was a native 
of Connecticut, and with whom I was acquainted, and in- 
formed him that I had for some time been of the opinion 
that the Rev. Mr. Hob art of New York, could they obtain 
him, was, of all the clergy of my acquaintance, the best 
qualified to be their Bishop. It had not then occurred to me 
that he might be expecting an election in his own state. Mr. 
Bronson replied, that he had written to Mr. Hobart on the 
subject, and (if I remember aright) read me the answer, 
which he had received, declining to be a candidate for the 
office in the Eastern Diocese. 

" What the election was, is well known. To the gentle- 
men, who communicated to me the result, I replied that I 
was ready then to give an answer ; and should not hesitate 
to decline the acceptance of an office for which I deemed 
myself unqualified. And if I ever uttered a word of truth 
I uttered it then. One of the first thoughts that entered my 
mind, and that caused me no little anxiety, was, that the 
Lord, in displeasure, had suffered such an election. I was, 
however, earnestly requested to delay my answer, and to 
give the subject the most serious consideration: a request to 
which I assented. 

" The subject was, of course, very seriously considered. 
One of the first points, on which I came to a determination, 
was, that in case even one clergyman in any of the four 
States should be found opposed to my acceptance of the 
office, I would not accept. The Rev. Mr. Fisher of Salem, 
did not attend the Convention, and the Rev. Mr. Bowers of 

M 



134 MEMOIR OF THE 

Marblehead, voted, I was told, for another person. I visited 
these two brethren and frankly stated to them my views ; 
and they both expressed to me their wish that I would ac- 
cept. I then determined to consult Bishop Jarvis and those 
of the clergy of Connecticut with whom I was acquainted ; 
and accordingly made a journey through that State for the 
purpose. Without seeming to doubt or hesitate, they all 
advised my acceptance. Some further measures which I 
took to satisfy my mind, and the resolutions, which I made 
on the occasion, need not be mentioned. It is enough to 
add, that the election was in May ; and that, in the follow- 
ing September, not without diffidence and fears, I signified 
to the adjourned Convention my acceptance. Whether I 
did wisely, and was actuated by right views, the God of 
heaven knoweth. May He compassionate my frailty and 
forgive my sins. 

" My consecration took place in New York, in May, 
1811." 

Thus far speaks the auto-biography in its account of this 
very interesting portion of the life of Bishop Griswold. It 
concurs with other documents in my possession in shewing 
that if ever the " Nolo Episcopari" came with truth from 
the heart through the lips of any man, it was from Mr. Gris- 
wold on receiving the announcement of the Convention, 
which called him to the Episcopate. We must, now, how- 
ever, go back and trace the inception and progress of the 
movement, which resulted in his election. 

The effort, at which we have looked in Rhode Island in 
1806, to place the Church in that State under the care of Bi- 
shop Moore, had its origin in the causes, which led to the 
formation of the Eastern Diocese. These causes were two : 
1. The peculiar need "of a Bishop to watch over the infancy 
of a Church Episcopally constituted ; 2. The weakness of 
our Church in the Eastern States, rendering each State sepa- 
rately inadequate to the maintenance of a Bishop. 

1. It results from the very genius of our institutions that 
even the infancy of our Church in any region should feel 
the need of a Bishop. I do not mean that presbyters alone 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 135 

cannot faithfully preach the Gospel ; or, that if they alone 
faithfully preach it, the people will not hear, believe and be 
saved. But I mean, that there are general as well as local 
interests to be cared for in securing prosperity to a spreading 
community of Christians. There are unity to be preserved ; 
union and harmony to be promoted ; and measures of 
broad and comprehensive utility to be conceived and exe- 
cuted. These things need government ; a recognized au- 
thority, to which respect may be paid, and a spring of in- 
fluence, in which confidence may be reposed. In these 
things, and under our institutions, presbyters are not accus- 
tomed to act. The deeply rooted principle of parity among 
them is, apt to keep them isolated while without a Bishop ; 
so that the life and prosperity of the parts do not circulate 
and become the life and prosperity of the whole. To this 
end they need an authorized leader, a mind that is qualified 
and that is expected to advise and to devise measures for the 
common weal ; a head to their body, that its heart may beat 
intelligently as well as strongly ; and that there may be con- 
sistency and order, foresight and efficiency in its movements 
towards the great ends of outward growth and of spiritual 
prosperity. 

2. But in the Eastern States, there was a peculiar weak- 
ness in our Church, rendering it extremely difficult either to 
procure or to maintain Bishops in the Dioceses severally. 
This weakness arose from the fact that the genius of New 
England people and of New England institutions was of all 
others most inimical to the introduction and growth of Epis- 
copacy. When Patrick Henry hurled the hot thunderbolts 
of his eloquence against the tithe-gathering clergy of the 
British province of Virginia, till they instinctively rose and 
fled in terror from his presence, we may easily conceive that 
the auguries of popularity to our Church in that quarter were 
indeed bodingly dark. But darker yet were they on the shores 
of New England, where the whole spirit of the people was 
a more constant as well as a more terrific orator against our 
Church than even the Virginian Demosthenes ; and where, 
for long years, every step, which she took, left the track of 



136 MEMOIR OF THE 

a hunted thing ! After the War of the Revolution, indeed, 
which resulted in the establishment of free institutions, in- 
cluding the toleration of all forms of religious worship, no- 
thing could be done openly against our Church in the East- 
ern States. It continued therefore to live without public 
molestation. Still the breath of popular sentiment set so 
strongly against it, that its continuance was almost as preca- 
rious as that of a newly transplanted tree amidst the sweep- 
ings of the whirlwind ! 

In Massachusetts the early strength of our Church was 
greatest both in numbers and in wealth. Here, therefore, 
as early as May, 1796, a Bishop was elected in the person of 
the Rev. Dr. Bass of Newburyport. He was not consecra- 
ted, however, till the year following, May 4th, 1797 ; and 
dying in September, 1803, was, but for little more than six 
years, permitted to give his counsels and his strength to the 
infant Diocese, over which he had been placed. In May, 
1804, another effort to give a visible head to our Church in 
Massachusetts was made, which resulted in the election of 
Dr. Parker of Trinity Church, Boston. He was consecrated 
the following September ; — but dying in December of the 
same year, without ever having met his Convention, he left 
the Diocese to the discouragements, incident to such a sud- 
den disappointment of its hopes. 

Between the death of Bishop Bass and the election of Bi- 
shop Parker, there was an unofficial movement towards the 
Episcopate, of which, it is presumed, the public know no- 
thing, but which, had it 'been successful, would have pre- 
vented the subsequent formation of the Eastern Diocese ; 
inasmuch as the individual then in view lived for many years 
in the enjoyment of health and of well earned influence. I 
allude to the Hon. Dudley A. Tyng, the father of the Rev. 
Dr. Tyng of Philadelphia. It is from the latter that I have 
received the substance of the following account, the particu- 
lars of which will doubtless be deemed worthy of record. 

" The ancestors of Judge Tyng had from generation to 
generation been members of the Church of England ; in 
the communion of which he himself had been educated pre- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 137 

vious to the period of our Revolution. His grandfather 
founded the Church in Newburyport ; — in the grave- yard of 
which five generations of the family lie buried. When he 
entered Harvard College, in 1778, it was the single purpose 
of his heart to devote himself to the ministry of the Gospel 
in the Church of his fathers. But the non-intercourse, which 
war introduced between the two countries, made his visit to 
England for ordination impossible ; while the state of the family 
rendering immediate employment necessary, he turned his 
attention upon the study of law. Yet he never changed, so 
far as to abandon, the current of his earlier interests and stu- 
dies. Theology, in especial connexion with the Church of 
England, formed the basis of his favorite reading ; and the 
whole welfare of the Church, which, in these United States, 
had descended from that in which he was born, constituted 
one of the chief objects of his affection and care. When, 
therefore, the death of Bishop Bass in 1803, had deprived 
the Diocese of Massachusetts of its head, Dr. Dehon, then 
of Newport, Rhode Island, and afterwards Bishop in South 
Carolina, waited on Judge Tyng, in the name and at the 
request of several of the clergy of Massachusetts and Rhode 
Island, with the earnest solicitation that he would consent to 
receive orders first as a deacon and then as a presbyter, that 
they might with as little delay as possible elect him their 
Bishop in the place of that venerated man, of whom the 
Church had just been deprived, and to whom he had been 
most particularly attached. With a modesty characteristic 
of himself, however, he shrank from the proposal, and finally 
rejected it. Affairs, consequently, took another turn. Dr. 
Parker was elected and died ; and amidst the discourage- 
ments which ensued came up that shape of things, which 
eventuated in the organization of the Eastern Diocese, and 
in the consecration of Bishop Griswold. 

The incident just narrated is interesting, particularly as it 
shews, in the deep interest which Judge Tyng took in the 
welfare of our Church, the ground of that peculiar intimacy 
and connexion which subsequently sprang up and was per- 

M* 



138 MEMOIR OF THE 

petuated between himself and Bishop Griswold, and between 
their respective families. Seldom are two men found better 
fitted to win and secure each other's confidence than they. 
From the time of his election, Bishop Griswold became and 
continued a constant visiter, and frequent inmate at Judge 
Tyng's, whenever he visited Boston, and so long as his 
friend was spared to him." 

The depth of the discouragement, into which the Church 
in Massachusetts fell on the demise of Bishop Parker, ap- 
pears in the successive and abortive attempts, afterwards 
made to devise some way, in which the vacancy might again 
be fdled. 

As early as the ensuing May, at the Massachusetts Con- 
vention of 1805, a vote was passed, recommending " proper 
measures for communicating with the States of Rhode Island 
and New Hampshire, on the subject of joining in one Bio- 
cese, and of making choice of a Bishop : — and the Standing 
Committee were ordered to correspond with the clergy of 
those states on the subject of the proposition." Nothing 
however, — at least nothing effectual — was done in obedience 
to the order. 

At the the next Annual Convention in Massachusetts, 
May 1806, — " The President was requested, by vote, to 
write to the clergy of the several churches in the States 
aforesaid, on the subject of joining the Church in Massachu- 
setts in the choice of a Bishop to preside over these States in 
one Diocese." This vote proved as fruitless as its predeces- 
sor. 

At the Convention in Massachusetts, May 1807, " the 
Secretary was ordered to inform the several churches in the 
State, that it was the wish of the Convention to take the 
sense of the several churches on the question of the necessity 
of electing a Bishop, or of putting themselves under a Bi- 
shop already elected ; and that their delegates be requested 
to come prepared accordingly." This order was even more 
inoperative than either of the former ones ; — for, before the 
Convention, which issued it, had adjourned, it died by the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 139 

following vote; " that the question of the appointment of a 
Bishop subside."* 

But, although thus unable again to bring the Church to 
action through the Convention, yet individuals among the 
clergy felt too strongly the pressure of necessity wholly to 
abandon effort, and in despondency wholly to give up the 
cause of the Church. The next year nothing was attempt- 
ed in the Convention ; but something in a different way, 
and with better effect, was done. At what particular date, 
it is now impossible to determine, but probably betw T een the 
Massachusetts Convention of May 1808, and the ensuing 
one of May 1809, not long before the latter, an informal 
meeting of some of the principal clergy of Massachusetts and 
BJwde Island was called for the twofold purpose of devising 
and recommending some plan, by which they might secure 
Episcopal supervision ; and of concerting and adopting some 
measure for rendering available the landed property belong- 
ing to the Church in the several Eastern States. At this 
meeting, it appears by a written statement from one of its 
members, now in my possession, that the plan of the East- 
ern Diocese was discussed and in good part matured; 
while to the same origin may doubtless be traced the meas- 
ures, which finally resulted in securing to our Church much 
of the lands, in New Hampshire and Vermont, which had 
been left, under Charter from Colonial Governors, to " The 
Society in England for the Propagation of the Gospel in 
foreign parts." 

The meeting, to which I have adverted, was held in Ded- 
ham, at the house of the Rev. Wm. Montague. This gentle- 
man, as he states in a letter of a subsequent date to Bishop 
Griswold, was induced to call that meeting by assurances 
from the Rev. Drs. Morss and Gardiner, and the Rev. Mr. 
Bowers, that they would share with him the expense, by 
which it might be attended. He accordingly engaged in 
the enterprize ; spent much time ; rode more than a thousand 

* For the above votes and proceedings, see, abstract from the journals 
of the Massachusetts Convention, printed by order of the Convention, from 
1784, to 1808 ; and prefixed to the printed journals for subsequent years. 



140 MEMOIR OF THE 

miles in visiting the clergy, from first to last ; gave thus a 
vigorous impulse to the movement ; set other men to think- 
ing ; and, what they concerted at the meeting, he brought 
before the ensuing Convention. This Convention was held 
in Boston, May 30th, 1809; and by adjournment in Cam- 
bridge the last week in August of the same year. Its pro- 
ceedings reveal the efficiency of the influence, which emana- 
ted from the meeting in Dedham. The following are its 
most important votes : 

" That, in the opinion of this Convention, it is expedient 
to proceed, as soon as maybe, to the choice of a Bishop ; and 
that the Standing Committee be requested to invite the 
Churches in Rhode Island and New Hampshire to join in the 
choice." This vote was passed in Boston. 

At the adjourned meeting in Cambridge, the following 
were added : " That the Standing Committee be authorized 
to inquire into the situation of the Episcopal Church in Ver- 
mont, and invite them to join us in the choice and mainte- 
nance of a Bishop." 

" That contributions be obtained to a fund for the sup- 
port of a Bishop :" 

" That a Committee be chosen to apply for an act of In- 
corporation for c The Trustees of donations to the Protestant 
Episcopal Church:' and, 

" That another Committee be appointed to inquire into the 
situation of any lands heretofore given to any Churches, 
(parishes,) in Massachusetts."* 

These votes all took effect. A subscription to the fund 
for the support of a Bishop was soon opened. The Incor- 
poration of the Trustees of donations followed. The condi- 
tion of the Church lands, not only in Massachusetts, but also 
in the three other States, was investigated. And the plan 
for the organization of the Eastern Diocese was at once 
carried into execution. One week after the May session, — 
i. e., June 7th, 1809, the Convention in Rhode Island re- 
ceived and acted on the letter from the Standing Committee 

* See abstract from the Journal of Massachusetts Convention for 1809. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 141 

of Massachusetts, inviting co-operation in the choice of a 
Bishop for the Diocese about to be formed. And a similar 
communication was in due course of time received and acted 
on by the Convention in New Hampshire, and by the 
Churches in Vermont ; though to their early records I have 
not been able to obtain access. 

Whether Mr. Griswold was present at the meeting in Ded- 
ham, which really originated all this movement, I am not 
informed ; but he was a member of the Convention in Rhode 
Island, which received and acted on the communication 
from the Standing Committee in Massachusetts, and took 
further and effective part in the measures, which resulted in 
the final and complete organization of the Eastern Diocese, 
as the following documents shew. My object, however, in 
giving these documents is, to exhibit the part, which the 
Churches in the other States took, in concurrence with that 
in Massachusetts, in giving effect to the plan, which had 
been matured. They are from the Journals of the Rhode 
Island Convention ; but, the Convention in New Hampshire 
and the Church in Vermont took substantially the same steps, 
which are here indicated. 

From the Manuscript Journal, then, of the Rhode Island 
Convention, holden in Newport, June 7th, 1809, it appears 
that a letter was " read from the Convention of Massachusetts 
on the subject of electing a Bishop, whose jurisdiction 
should embrace the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island 
and New Hampshire. After some debate, dt was resolved 
that the further consideration of the business be postponed ; 
and that a Committee of correspondence be appointed, with 
power to call a Special Convention to hear the result." 

This Committee, as their report shews, consisted of u the 
Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, chairman, the Rev. Theodore 
Dehon, and the Rev. Nathan B. Crocker." 

A measure, preparatory to the Special Convention which 
this Committee were empowered to call, was rendered 
necessary by the disaffection, which, in the then unsettled 
and uncertain state of things, had seized on the ancient 
" Narraganset Church," as the principal parish on the west 
side of the Bay was originally termed. This was one of the 



142 MEMOIR OF THE 

oldest parishes of our Church in New England ; and being 
of importance in other respects, it was highly desirable to 
bring it into cordial co-operation with the rest in the pro- 
posed measure. Its disaffection appears to have been of a 
general character, and not to have grown out of the move- 
ment in favor of the Eastern Diocese. The following letter, 
addressed to that parish by Mr. Griswold, as chairman of the 
Committee of Correspondence, reveals all that it is necessary 
to know of the case ; while it is an interesting document as 
exhibiting the judicious and peace-making mind of its au- 
thor. 

"Bristol, July 2d, 1809. 

" Gentlemen, — The enclosed copies of two resolutions, 
passed in our State Convention, held at Newport on the 7th of 
June last, will shew you the reason and object of this ad- 
dress. 

" It is with very great anxiety and regret that we find your 
Church not represented in our Conventions/br several years : 
and the coldness, dis-union and want of confidence, which 
seem to exist, must be painful to every friend of religion, es- 
pecially to all who have any desire for the good and pros- 
perity of our Church. Our blessed Redeemer has solemnly 
forewarned us of the fatal effects of division ; and we need 
not tell you how repugnant it is to the nature and object of 
his Gospel. It is certainly our duty and yours to investigate 
the cause of this evil, and without delay to take every proper 
and prudent measure for its removal. 

"Actuated, therefore, not less by personal feeling than by 
public duty, we do, beloved brethren, with much earnest- 
ness, sincerity and affection, address you on this very in- 
teresting subject, and inquire of you ' whether there exists 
any cause, or causes, of this unhappy disunion, which it is 
in the power of this Convention to obviate,' and remove. 
And we do most cordially i assure you of the interest which 
the Convention feel for St. Paul's Church, and our earnest 
desire that your Church should be represented in our future 
Conventions.' 

" A restoration of confidence and union among us is, at all 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 143 

times, and in its own nature, most devoutly to be desired ; 
while, at present, there are special reasons, which strongly 
call for our united exertions. At our last Convention we re- 
ceived a communication from the Convention in Massachu- 
setts, inviting the Churches in Rhode Island and New Hamp- 
shire to unite with them in the choice of a Bishop. They 
request an answer to their proposals, previous to their semi- 
annual (adjourned ?) Convention on the last of August. Our 
Convention, in acting upon this important question, did 
nothing more than to appoint our clergy in this State a Com- 
mittee to inquire into the subject, and get from the Committee 
in Massachusetts every possible information respecting the 
principles and mode of the proposed election, and report to 
a Special Convention of our State, which it is proposed to 
call some time in August. 

"The time and place of this Special Convention are yet 
undetermined. In a question on which we are so much and 
so equally interested, we wish much, brethren, for your 
counsel and co-operation. If any one of our churches is 
more than others concerned in the subject, it is yours. We 
hope, therefore, and we trust, that, from a sense both of in- 
terest and of duty, you will frankly communicate your senti- 
ments and wishes on this subject, and cordially unite with 
us in every measure for the general good of the Church ; and 
accept of our assurances that nothing is intended or desired 
repugnant to the particular interest of your Society. On the 
contrary, we are decidedly of opinion that nothing, under 
God, could more certainly tend to the good of your Church, 
temporal and spiritual, than a union with the other churches 
in this State, especially in this business, of electing a Bishop. 

" As a step towards so desirable an object, and to promote 
harmony and good understanding among us, we propose, 
should it meet with your approbation, to hold the Special 
Convention, above mentioned, in North Kingston, at such 
time, within a few weeks to come, as shall be most agreea- 
ble to your parish. Be pleased, gentlemen, as soon as con- 
venient, to inform us whether the proposal meets with your 



144 MEMOIR OF THE 

approbation, and at what time you wish the Convention to 
meet." 

The foregoing letter, being a copy of the original, is with- 
out name. But it is in Mr. Griswold's hand- writing and 
was evidently addressed by him, as chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence, to the Vestry of St. Paul's Church, 
North Kingston. Its appeal, we may conclude, was at least 
partially successful ; inasmuch as the proposed Special Con- . 
vention was held in that Church on the 23d of the ensuing 
August. Thus, even in its inception, the Eastern Diocese 
began to effect, what it afterwards fully secured, the desira- 
ble end of preventing the revived growth, and of working 
the final extinction of a feeling in favor of independency, 
which, in earlier periods, had seemed to threaten an ecclesi- 
astical organization in the Eastern States, having no con- 
nexion with the main body of our Episcopal Church in the 
other parts of the Union. But, to proceed : 

The Rhode Island Special Convention met, as was stated, 
at North Kingston, August 23d, 1809 ; and the Committee 
previously appointed presented, doubtless through its chair- 
man, the following report : 

" The committee, to whom was referred, at the last Con- 
vention, the letter from the Church in Massachusetts, inviting 
the Churches in this State to unite with them in the choice of 
a Bishop, beg leave to report: 

u That they are unanimously of opinion, first, that it is 
expedient and very desirable that the Church, in this State, 
should have the superintending care and official service of a 
Bishop : and second, that the proposal from the Church in 
Massachusetts opens the best prospect of obtaining these 
benefits in the most satisfactory manner ; and, as far as the 
Committee have been able to investigate the subject, it ap- 
pears to have arisen from an impartial and disinterested re- 
spect to the general good of the Church. 

" The Committee do, therefore, recommend that this Con- 
vention should accede to the proposal from the Convention 
of Massachusetts; and that the churches in this State be 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 145 

severally requested to appoint delegates to represent them in 
the united Convention, whenever it shall be held. All 
which is respectfully submitted. 

Alexander V. Griswold, } 

Theodore Dehon, > Committee." 

Nathan B. Crocker, ) 

The above report having been read, it was by the Con- 
vention " voted; that the report of the Committee be re- 
ceived and adopted" And thus, so far as Rhode Island 
was concerned, the way was opened for the proposed united 
Convention, and for the election of a Bishop of the Eastern 
Diocese. How little did the author of the foregoing letter 
and report dream that he was himself to be Bishop of the 
new Diocese, which he was thus helping to organize ! This 
Special Convention was evidently held just after that almost 
fatal illness, into which he fell during his exhausting journey 
in " the warm weather" of 1809, while visiting his family re- 
lations. For, such warm weather, journey and consequent 
sickness could hardly have happened after a Convention, 
which lay but a week from opening autumn. Doubtless, 
therefore, he was thus engaged in the preparatory and actual 
business of this ecclesiastical meeting, while, as yet, he was 
" but slowly regaining" his health, and when he had been 
thinking more of going to heaven than of opening his own 
way into a Bishopric ! His biographer need not hesitate to 
say that, had the idea of his becoming a candidate for the 
contemplated office, even in its dimmest outlines, entered his 
mind, he would sooner have hidden amid the fastnesses of 
Montaup than have acted as chairman of the Committee of 
Correspondence to this preparatory Convention. 

But, the Convention was held ; and, with similar prepara- 
tory action on the part of the Convention in New Hampshire, 
the way for final action was open. The adjourned Conven- 
tion of Massachusetts was held at Cambridge the last of 
August. The action of Rhode Island and New Hampshire 
being found favorable, the bounds of the proposed union 
were then thrown round Vermont also ; and thus, nothing 
remained but to fix the time and place, and to make the 

N 



146 MEMOIR OF THE 

necessary arrangements, for the meeting of the first united 
Convention of the Churches in the three Dioceses of Massa- 
chusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and of the 
Church in Vermont, where, as yet no Diocese appears to 
have been organized.* And this remainder of preparatory 

* Since writing the above, I am able to add the following account of the 
action of the Church in Vermont. The facts have been received from the 
Rev. Mr. Bronson, the clerical delegate from the Church in that State, now 
resident in Ohio ; and they shew that, although, as a Diocese, it had never 
been received into union with the General Convention, yet it was so far or- 
ganized as to have a Standing Committee, and to be capable of corporate 
action. By reference to the Journals of the General Convention, (p. 198, 
199,204, ed. Bioren, 1817) it appears that, in 1801, and with a view most- 
ly to the care of the Church lands in those parts, a special dispensation 
was granted, by which a sort of Diocese was formed, consisting of the 
Churches of Western New Hampshire, and Eastern Vermont, or those lying 
on each side of the Connecticut river, with power to hold Conventions, 
and to put itself under the jurisdiction of some neighboring Bishop. But 
this anomalous Diocese appears never to have been represented in the 
General Convention. Indeed, by a reference to the Journals, (p. 248, 251, 
259, ed. Bioren, 1817,) it is rendered probable that in 1808, this anomaly 
was dissolved, and that the parishes in Western New Hampshire became 
thenceforth associated with those in the other parts of that State. Still, at 
the time, of which I am writing, the Church in Vermont alone remained so 
far organized as to keep up its Convention, have a Standing Committee, and 
continue capable of corporate action through that Committee. The follow- 
ing are Mr. Bronson's facts : 

After the adjourned Convention of Massachusetts in Cambridge, August 
1809, the Secretary for several months delayed action under the resolution, 
which directed an inquiry into the situation of the Church in Vermont. At 
length, however, in the ensuing November, the Rev. Mr. Montague in- 
quired of him whether he had yet written to the parishes in Western New 
Hampshire, and in Vermont. His reply was, that he knew of no Episco- 
palians in those parts to whom he could address his communication. Upon 
consultation with Judge Tyng, therefore, Mr. Montague took his carriage, 
rode up to Claremont, New Hampshire; was joined there by the Rev. Mr 
Barber; and thence passed the Green mountains to Manchester; at which 
place resided two of the lay-members of the Standing Committee of Vermont. 
These with Mr. Bronson, constituted a majority of that body; and to thesei 
on being called together, Mr. Montague opened the proposed measure of an 
Eastern Diocese. The Committee were in consultation for several days ; 
as the result of which, they gave that measure their hearty concurrence. 
By Mr. Montague, they addressed a letter to Judge Tyng, signifying their 
wish to unite in the contemplated Diocese. The consequence of this move- 
ment was, that they soon received an official invitation from the Secretary 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 



147 



work was probably voluntarily taken upon itself by the Stand- 
ing Committee of the Massachusetts Convention. 

The time and place for the meeting of this united Conven- 
tion were the 29th day of May, 1810, in the city of Boston ; 
the usual time and place for the annual meeting of the 
Massachusetts Convention. This latter body, as it appears 
from its Journals, met as usual, and transacted its customary 
business, especially by appointing delegates to the next 
General Convention. But, upon the opening of the Con- 
vention from the four States, the clerical and lay-delegates 
from Massachusetts appeared and took their seats, like those 
from the other States, simply as joint members of the united 
body. This body was composed of the following delegates, 
clerical and lay, from their respective States, viz : ' 



MASSACHUSETTS 



Clergy. 
Rev. John S. J. Gardiner, 
" James Bowers, 
" Wm. Montague, 
" James Morss, 
" Asa Eaton, 
" Samuel Sewall. 



Laity. 
David Green, 
Joseph Foster, 
Joseph Head, 
Shubael Bell, 
Robt. Fennelly, 
William Winthrop, 
Andrew Craigie, 
Samuel P. P. Fay, 
Edward Rand, 
Samuel A. Otis, 
Albert Smith, 
Dr. Winslow, 
Reuben Curtis, 
Jared Bradley, 
David Wain wright, 
George Johonnott. 



of the Massachusetts Convention to send delegates to the body, which was 
to assemble in Boston for the organization of the Eastern Diocese. They 
accepted the invitation, and sent their delegates accordingly; and it was 
supposed, at the time, that, to the decided influence and active exertions of Mr, 
Chipman, one of the lay-members of their delegation, much of the success, 
which attended the action of the organizing Convention, was to be attributed. 



148 MEMOIR OF THE 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Clergy. Laity. 

Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, Thomas L. Halsey, 
" Nathan B. Crocker. Benj. Gardiner. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Clergy. Laity. 

Rev. Daniel Barber. Erastus Torrey, 

George Hubbard. 

VERMONT. 

Clergy. Laity. 

Rev. Abraham Bronson. Daniel Chipman, 

John Whitlock, 
Dr. Samuel Cutler. 

Upon the opening of the session, the Convention was or- 
ganized by the election of the Rev. John S. J. Gardiner as 
President; and of the Rev. Asa Eaton as Secretary ; and its 
principal action, on the first day of its session, consisted in 
the appointment of a committee " for the purpose of drafting 
a constitution for the four confederate States." This com- 
mittee consisted of eight, and was composed of the follow- 
ing clerical and lay-members, one of each order from each of 
the four States : 

The Rev. Asa Eaton, > Massachusdts 
Shubael Bell, J Massachusetts. 

The Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, ) D , , T 7 , 
r™ t tt i i Rhode Island. 

1 nomas L. Halsey, ) 

The Rev Daniel Barber, 3 ^ Hampsldre. 
Erastus lorrey, ) r 

The Rev. Abraham Bronson, ) T7 . 

ta • i /~n • c v ermonz. 

Daniel Chipman, ) 

This organization, and incipient action of the Convention, 
however, had been preceded by some preparatory consulta- 
tion. Several of the delegates having arrived in Boston on 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 149 

the previous Saturday, arrangements were made for an infor- 
mal meeting on Monday evening ; the opening of the Con- 
vention being fixed for Tuesday morning. The accounts, 
which I have received from three of the surviving delegates, 
of these preparatory consultations, are somewhat conflicting; 
but so far as I am able to harmonize them, they substantiate 
the following facts : 

As the Rev. Mr. Gardiner was rector of the principal 
parish in the four States, and was withal distinguished as a 
gentleman and a scholar, it was very naturally supposed that 
he would feel inclined to become the candidate for the ex- 
pected Bishopric. The first object of the consultations on 
Monday, therefore, was to ascertain his feelings on this point. 
Upon being approached, however, he disclaimed any view 
towards the office, and declared that he would not accept it, 
if offered him. It was then suggested that Dr. Hob art of 
New York had been named to some of them. To this sug- 
gestion, Mr. Gardiner replied, that he would not consent to 
go out of the Diocese for a candidate ; but that some middle- 
aged man, from among themselves, must be selected, capa- 
ble of enduring the fatigues of travelling, and of patiently 
submitting to the hardships and mortifications incident to the 
office in such an extended territory, and under such unpro- 
mising circumstances. The question accordingly came up ; 
where could such a man be found ? During the day, Mr. 
Chipman from Vermont, and Mr. Halsey from Rhode Island, 
had fixed their thoughts upon Mr. Griswold ; and now, at 
the meeting in the evening, the Rev. Mr. Crocker, as the 
only additional clerical delegate from his own State, directly 
proposed him, and gave him such a character as a laborious 
and faithful parish minister, and as a soundly learned divine, 
as at once satisfied Mr. Gardiner and secured his approba- 
tion of such a selection. At the same time, the suggestion 
was peculiarly satisfactory to Mr. Bronson, the only clerical 
delegate from Vermont, who had for some years known Mr. 
Griswold in Connecticut ; was aware of his having been con- 
sidered by his brethren in his native State as one of their best 

N* 



150 MEMOIR OF THE 

and ablest men ; and was, therefore, very desirous that the 
choice might fall upon him. 

Mr. Griswold himself was not present at this meeting, the 
result of which was thus to fix upon him the choice of the 
most influential clerical delegate from Massachusetts, of the 
only clergyman from Rhode Island besides himself, and of 
the sole clerical representative from the Church in Vermont ; 
as well as of the two leading lay delegates from the last named 
States. Upon retiring from the meeting to their quarters, 
Mr. Bronson and Mr. Crocker found the Rev. Mr. Barber, 
the only clerical delegate from the Church in New Hamp- 
shire ; and, on communicating to him the proposed nomina- 
tion, he at once exclaimed assent ; saying he had known 
Mr. Griswold from a child, had visited him since he had 
been in the ministry, and considered him one of the best 
men on the list of our clergy. With the governing influences 
from all the four States thus secured, his nomination at the 
proper period during the session of the Convention, was 
rendered morally certain. 

Upon the opening of the Convention the ensuing morning, 
Mr. Gardiner preached the sermon ; in the course of which 
he protested against going beyond the Diocese for their can- 
didate, and urged the selection from among themselves of a 
man such as has already been described. The organizing 
process then went forward ; the Committee for drafting a 
constitution for the proposed Diocese was appointed, and 
then the Convention adjourned for final action on the ensu- 
ing Thursday. 

In the mean time, this Committee met, on the business re- 
ferred to it, at their room in the Exchange Building ; and 
after making a few alterations in the form of a constitution 
which Mr. Bronson had drawn up before he left home, all 
the members retired, with the exception of Mr. Bronson and 
Mr. Griswold, who were requested to copy the form on 
which they had agreed, and to imbody it in their report to 
the Convention on the following day. When this labor had 
been performed, and as Mr. Bronson was about entering on 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 151 

general conversation, Mr. Griswold inquired of him whether 
the members of the Convention had any particular candidate 
for the new Bishopric in view ? Mr. Bronson told him they 
had, and asked him whether he had heard of their selection ? 
Upon his answering, " No :" Mr. Bronson rejoined ; " then 
let me tell you ; ' thou art the man. 1 " Upon this announce- 
ment, he started into wild agitation. After a few moments, 
however, he collected himself, and observed ; " Mr. Bron- 
son, you cannot be in earnest. You must all be sensible of 
my unfitness for the office. I have not the talents, nor the 
learning, nor the manner, which are requisite to give to that 
office, dignity and respectability. You must select some 
more suitable man." To this Mr. Bronson replied : " Sir, 
you must be the candidate, or we shall have no election ;" 
and was proceeding to urge his acceptance, when Mr. Gris- 
wold suddenly requested him to drop the subject, and in a 
few moments retired from the room. In what state of mind 
he spent the remainder of the day, and the ensuing night may 
be easily conjectured. 

Upon the re-opening of the Convention, on Thursday, 
May 31st, the morning was spent in presenting and acting 
on the Report of the Committee, and in completing the 
organization of the Eastern Diocese. They adopted the 
proposed Constitution; acceded to the Constitution and 
Canons of the General Convention ; and then passed the 
following votes. 

"Voted; that this Convention, — being duly assembled, 
and the provisions and Canons of the Episcopal Church hav-r 
ing been complied with in all respects, to authorize their 
proceeding to the election of a Bishop, — may proceed to 
that important work." 

" Voted, unanimously ; that this Convention proceed to the 
choice of a Bishop." 

" Voted ; to adjourn to 5 o'clock, P. M." 

In these proceedings, it is proper to remark, that the dele- 
gates from the four States had an equal voice, and secured 
to the Church in each State equal rights; and that the Dio- 
cese, which they organized, was not considered by them, as 



152 MEMOIR OF THE 

a confederation of distinct and independent Dioceses, but as 
one proper Diocese, with a Convention from the Churches of 
the four several States. In one of the States, Vermont, no 
distinct and independent Diocese had been organized in 
union with the General Convention. It had a Standing 
Committee, indeed, but was without regular diocesan organi- 
zation. It therefore entered into the Eastern Diocese in its 
elementary character. It is true, indeed, that the Conven- 
tion of the Eastern Diocese was constituted, at first, of dele- 
gates appointed by the Conventions of the separate States. 
Still, there is abundant evidence that, at the outset, the 
Diocese itself was regarded, not as a confederation of inde- 
pendent Dioceses, but as one, original and proper Diocese. 
The theory of this body appears not in its origin, to have 
been well studied ; nor, indeed, was it ever very easily un- 
derstood ; while, by its subsequent action and self-dissolution^ 
the somewhat perplexed and difficult question of its true 
character has become a matter of comparative unimportance. 
But, to proceed with the history of its first action : 

During the transactions of Thursday morning, there was 
visible a marked change in the appearance and manner of 
Mr. Griswold. He took no part in the debates on the proposed 
Constitution : he scarcely noticed what was going forward ; 
but seemed lost in a continual reverie. The same thing was 
manifest upon meeting, pursuant to adjournment, at 5 o'clock 
in the afternoon, and during the silent process of balloting 
for the choice of a Bishop. When the result of this process 
was declared, and it appeared that by the suffrages of every 
member of the Convention, with a single clerical exception, 
he had been elected to the newly created office, he appeared 
completely overwhelmed by the power of his emotions. 
What these emotions were, we may judge from his own re- 
mark in the auto-biography. " One of the first thoughts, 
that entered my mind, was, — that the Lord, in displeasure, 
had suffered such an election." After a moment's pause, 
he rose in great agitation, and declined the honor, which had 
been conferred upon him. Promptly and impulsively, yet 
(in the sincerity of his heart as it then beat within him) ut- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 



153 



ter ly t did he decline both the honor and the office in which it 
was offered. It was then proposed to adjourn, to give him 
time for consideration. But he replied ; he wanted no time : 
he was ready to give his decision at the call of the moment. 
The Convention, however, did adjourn for three months ; 
and when his emotion had in a measure subsided, and his 
diffidence was in a degree overcome, he finally consented to 
take the question of acceptance into consideration. He 
yielded as to an unseen hand, that was shaping both his own 
destiny and that of the Church over which he was called to 
preside. With the result of his consideration we have 
already been made acquainted. The Rev. Mr. Montague 
took him in his carriage on a visit to Connecticut ; where he 
was even urgently entreated to accept the office, to which 
he had been elected : and the Convention of that Diocese 
being about that time in session, it was moved, and unani- 
mously voted, in convocation of the clergy, that a congratu- 
latory letter be addressed to him ; and that Bishop Jarvis be 
requested, in behalf of the convocation, to write and forward 
said letter to him. This letter, indeed, has not been found 
among his papers ; but it was doubtless sent and received ; 
inasmuch as it appears from a private letter of one of the 
members of the convocation, dated June 11th, 1810, that 
Bishop Jarvis acceded to the request of that body to act in 
its behalf. 

Meanwhile, in the new Diocese itself the strongest sense 
of the importance of his acceptance was felt, on the part of 
some at least of the electing members, mingled with the 
deepest fears of his final refusal. What the state of feeling, 
now alluded to, was, will be seen from the following letters 
addressed to him after his election : 

•'Rockingham, Vt., June 5lh, 1810. 
" Rev. and dear Sir, — As we had not all the opportunity 
that could have been wished, when together in Boston, I 
improve a few hours of leisure on my way home, to write 
you more fully on the important business, which has so lately 
occupied our attention. 



154 MEMOIR OF THE 

"You doubtless remember with what persevering earnest- 
ness, and with what cogent, invincible arguments myself as 
well as many others urged the proposed election. And I 
trust you observed, or was informed, that those members of 
the Convention, who were at first in opposition, (one clerical 
member excepted) finally acknowledged themselves con- 
vinced, and were pleased that the election took place. As 
to the member, who opposed to the last, you must have per- 
ceived that his conduct was generally condemned. * * * * 
His opposition therefore should rather be an inducement to 
go forward in the course we have taken. If you fully ap- 
prehend the weight of the arguments used by the delegation 
from this quarter, and consider the situation of the Diocese 
generally, you will see that we can not take any other course 
without hazarding the most fatal consequences. In our 
present condition, I fear, we are rapidly falling to ruin. Our 
spiritual concerns are in a most deplorable state. The cold, 
moralizing discourses, so fashionable in many of our churches, 
will justly bring inevitable destruction upon them, unless 
the spirit of piety be revived by true evangelical preaching. 
The real doctrines of the cross must be propagated and dif- 
fused among us, or we are ruined. A way to the attainment 
of this object appears now to be opened ; a way, in which 
we can have, at least occasionally, such preaching, and such 
doctrines from authority ; such authority as the laity will al- 
ways respect, and as none of the clergy will presume to 
gainsay. You may, perhaps, fear that this will not be the 
case in the town of Boston. But, after a free and unreserved 
conversation with the members, clerical and lay, from Boston 
and Cambridge, I am convinced that you have their hearty 
approbation ; and that the people generally will be fond of 
receiving the doctrines of the Gospel, any thing in their 
present situation to the contrary notwithstanding. Thus, 
instead of having great difficulties and obstacles to encounter, 
it appears to me that you will enter upon your office under 
favorable auspices and prospects. The clergy, as a body, 
will feel themselves pledged to use their exertions to make 
your situation agreeable ; and a very decided majority of 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 155 

them, I am confident, indeed all who have any regard for 
the spiritual interests of the Church, will certainly do it with 
sincere earnestness and alacrity. 

" With regard to the temporalities attached to the office, 
though they are not yet such as could be wished, yet I do 
not, can not, imagine that you will, on that account, hesitate 
a moment. Something already is, and something more can 
be, raised ; and the several churches can do something an- 
nually till the funds become sufficient. I shall use my en- 
deavors for this purpose in Vermont till our lands become 
productive. After all, however, I can easily conceive that 
the office, in our present situation, is far from desirable. But 
I entreat you to consider what will be our condition, if you 
should refuse it. There is not another man in the Diocese, 
who could unite the votes of a majority of the clergy. And 
as to going out of the Diocese, some of them have declared 
that to that they never would consent. I should not myself 
like to do it, unless we could get Dr. Hobart ; who, as I told 
you, has declared to me that he would not accept ; while, 
at the same time, I find he would not be agreeable to the 
Boston clergy. So that the matter has at length come to a 
point : either you must forego personal feelings and considera- 
tions and accept the office ; or it must remain vacant, and 
the union, so happily and harmoniously formed, of these 
States, must be dissolved, and the Church left to sink into 
speedy oblivion. I can hardly conceive of any other alterna- 
tive. And if you do not view the matter in this light, I must 
think it is because you did not take the same liberty with 
myself of sounding the feelings of the members of the Con- 
vention. 

" On the whole, I have made such high calculations upon 
the advantages that might be expected from this union, and 
upon the privilege of having a diocesan to visit the churches, 
perform appropriate Episcopal offices, and exercise discipline 
among us, that, if we are now disappointed, I shall be al- 
most entirely discouraged, and shall see no way, except by 
some unexpected interposition of Providence, in which our 



156 MEMOIR OF THE 

sinking cause can be revived and made to flourish. Do, I 
entreat you, before you give us a negative answer, take this 
matter into your serious consideration. Consider the necessi- 
ties of the Church, and the fatal consequences of a refusal : 
view the situation of the Diocese at large : weigh the matter 
with care and deliberation : let the good of the Church be 
your paramount consideration, instead of giving way to feel- 
ings of modesty, or to personal convenience : and I trust, 
through divine grace, you will see the propriety and import- 
ance of taking upon you the solemn office, which is so 
providentially placed at your disposal. 

" Please, Sir, excuse the freedom, I have used in this letter. 
Freedom among clergymen, it appears to me, ought always 
to be used. At any rate, there was no other way to satisfy 
my own feelings. I trust to the sincerity and purity of my 
motives, for an ample apology for thus intruding myself upon 
your notice. 

With sincere respect and esteem, 
I am, Rev. Sir, yours, 

Abraham Bronson." 
The Rev. Mr. Griswold. 

The foregoing letter is interesting and important, admitting 
us probably to a more intimate view, than would otherwise, 
at this late day, be obtainable of the religious state of the 
Eastern Diocese at the time of its organization. The follow- 
ing briefer communication is also worthy of insertion. The 
writer addresses Mr. Griswold as though he were already 
Bishop. 

" Claremont, N. H., July 30, 1810. 

" Right Rev. Sir, — I am sensible it was my duty to have 
addressed you before this, on the subject of your election. 

" Permit me now to say, that, when I consider the import- 
ant and salutary consequences, that will necessarily follow 
in the train of your judicious administration, setting in order, 
and strengthening the things that are ready to die, I rejoice 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 157 

exceedingly, and am also led to conclude your election to be 
the call of God, as well as the fruit and effect of that Spirit, 
which heals all our infirmities. 

" If I am thus far correct, as I feel confident that I am, it 
follows, that you must not, and suffer me to say, you dare 
not, refuse the office and work, to which you are called. 
Can you produce one instance, (in times of the severest per- 
secution, and when death was the most certain consequence 
of consecration) of a Bishop refusing to accept the office ? 

"Thank God, we are not now called to resist unto blood. 
But we must fight with beasts now and then ; else, what 
would be our victory and our crown, our reward and our 
rejoicing? Think, dear Sir, whose cause you are engaged 
in, and in whose name and strength you go forth. Moses 
said: l Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh?' But 
God called him, and he must needs obey ; for he dared not, like 
Jonah, flee from the presence of the Lord. Out of weakness 
he was made strong ; yea, so strong, that he saved the 
Church and people of God from destruction. 

u It is, indeed, a mark of true wisdom not to run before 
we are sent. But, when lawfully called, and when, as at 
this time, necessity urges, we are to play the man for our 
country and for the Churches of our God. 

"Meroz was cursed, because they refused to come up to 
the help of the Lord against the mighty. Let me entreat 
you not to refuse to comply with the wishes of your brethren : 
and be assured that the respect due to your personal and 
official character shall ever be accorded by 

Your very humble servant and brother, 

Daniel Barber." 

Rt Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, ? 
Bishop elect. £ 

About the same time, Mr. Bronson addressed him a second 
letter, of which the following is the principal part : 

" Manchester, July 31, 1810. 
" Rev. and dear Sir, — It is with much reluctance that I 
again intrude. But I am urged by peculiar circumstances. 

o 



158 MEMOIR OF THE 

Our State Convention is to meet in about four weeks, and 
"We expect it will be unusually full, on account of the busi- 
ness done at Boston. But we have not all the data that 
could be wished, to enable us to proceed ; nor can we ex- 
pect, previous to that time, to receive them through the 
official channel. I am anxious to know the Ml result of our 
late proceedings, in order to give our Convention every possi- 
ble satisfaction, and that measures may be taken according- 
ly. If, then, you have come to any conclusion, or have even 
formed an opinion upon the subject, I would thank you to 
write me seasonably what the probability is with regard to 
your acceptance of the office. 

u I am aware that this request may seem rather imperti- 
nent. But, after full consideration I hope you will be con- 
vinced that it is justified by circumstances. ***** 
***** A multiplicity of avocations will, I am afraid, 
prevent my being at Boston," (at the adjourned Convention) 
" but my heart will be with you in every measure for the 
good of the Church at large. Some of the members of the 
body are so palsied that it is to be doubted whether they can 
ever be restored to vigor and activity. Yet the means must 
be used, and the event left to God. Peradventure He may 
restore the decayed places, and build up the walls of our 
Zion, so that we may yet be a name and a praise in the earth. 
********** I must renew the expression 
of my anxiety that you should accept the office. Should you 
decline, it appears to me that the constitutional union, 
effected at Boston, will become void, and that we must entire- 
ly give up our hopes of having, for the present, a diocesan in 
these States. I hope that the sermon to be delivered at the 
adjourned Convention, will be composed with a view to the 
press. If I am there, I shall move to have it published. 
With sincere respect, Rev. Sir, 
I am yours, 

Abraham Bronson." 

The Rev. Mr. Griswold. 

. The sermon, here alluded to by Mr. B., was that which 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 159 

the Convention in Boston, on the eve of its adjournment, re- 
quested Mr. Griswold to preach at the opening of its Sep- 
tember session. It will be found at the close of this memoir. 
Whether, at the suggestion of Mr. Bronson, he wrote it with 
a view to publication, or not, it was every way worthy of 
that notice. Considering the circumstances under which it 
was delivered, the audience before which he spake, and the 
position, in which he himself stood, it was every way as ap- 
propriate to the occasion as it was full of Gospel truth, just 
thought, and happy diction; in very deed, a remarkable 
sermon ; bold, yet not assuming ; faithful, yet not indiscreet ; 
pointed, yet not offensive ; correct, and even beautiful in 
style, yet not ambitious of notice for its beauty ; in a word, 
the outspeaking of the future Bishop. One of the leading 
Congregational ministers of Boston was present at its delivery, 
and, not knowing either the preacher, or the relation in which 
he stood to the Convention, inquired, at the close of the ser- 
vice, who he was ? Upon being told by the gentleman, of 
whom he inquired, that it was Mr. Griswold, the Bishop elect 
of the Eastern Diocese, he rejoined ; " Well, I can only say 
that if such is to be the general character of his preaching, 
he is worthy to be made Jlrch-hisho-p of Christendom. " 

The time for his anxiously expected decision was now 
drawing near. As yet, it is believed, no one knew what 
that decision was to be. Hope amidst fear was the best 
feeling that reigned in the minds of those, who had elected 
him. But, on the 12th of September he addressed to the 
President of the electing Convention the following letter of 
acceptance. 

" Bristol, September 12th, 1810. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — As the time approaches, when our 
Convention, according to adjournment, will again convene, 
it becomes necessary, agreeably to their resolution, that I 
should communicate to you my determination respecting 
their late election. It will be needless to trouble you with 
observations on my inability and disqualifications, which will 
too soon be known. The Convention were pleased to call 



160 MEMOIR OF THE 

me to a very sacred and important office, which requires the 
most serious consideration. At first, indeed, there appeared 
no room for doubt, or hesitation : there seemed to be every 
reason for declining an undertaking so arduous, so responsi- 
ble in its nature, and for the effectual discharge of which I 
possessed so few of the requisite qualifications. But farther 
reflection suggested that a call of this serious and important 
nature ought not to be declined, any more than complied 
with, without great and mature deliberation ; that we ought 
not to shrink from any duty, to which God is pleased to call 
us, from a conscious inability of doing ourselves honor, in 
case we can do good. Nor is the sacrifice of ease and other 
temporal comforts, necessary to the discharge of this or any 
other office in the Church, sufficient excuse to satisfy the 
minds of those, who have sincerely engaged in the Gospel 
ministry. Having consulted with many, whose judgment 
and advice I have every reason to respect, it seems to be 
their general, if not unanimous voice that the present pecu- 
liar state of this Diocese requires my acceptance of the Epis- 
copate ; and however desirable may be a more able and 
worthy candidate, that it is, under existing circumstances, 
my indispensable duty to acquiesce. To Him, therefore, 
who is able to make the humblest instrument subservient to 
the purposes of His Providence, I yield the result. Should 
the Convention, who have now had time for more mature 
deliberation, judge it still expedient, all circumstances con- 
sidered, to adhere to what they have done, I shall not refuse 
any compliance with their wishes. Trusting in God and in 
their candid indulgence and friendly counsels, I shall devote 
my future hours to the good and benefit of those Churches, 
whom the Lord shall please to put under my care ; humbly 
endeavoring by zeal and diligence to supply what in other 
talents is deficient. 

With all due respect, 

I am your friend and brother, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

Rev. John S. J. Gardiner, 
President of Convention. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 161 

This letter was communicated to the Convention on Tues- 
day, the 25th of September, to which time it stood adjourned : 
and upon being read, the Convention was dissolved. 

On Wednesday, the 26th of September, was holden the 
first of the Biennial Conventions of the Eastern Diocese under 
the new constitution; delegates thereto having been ap- 
pointed by the separate Conventions of the four States. 
Before this Convention the Bishop elect preached the ser- 
mon, to which I have referred. The action of the Conven- 
tion consisted in electing its first Standing Committee ; in 
devising means for the more ample support of the Bishop ; 
in requesting a copy of Mr. Griswold's sermon for the press ; 
in appointing a committee to present him to the house of 
Bishops for consecration ; in signing his testimonials ; and in 
sending him by a committee the following vote : 

" That the Convention acknowledge with pleasure his 
acceptance of the Episcopate ; and assure him that they will 
cordially and faithfully co-operate with him in the discharge 
of his duty." 

Such, in its leading particulars, was the process, by which 
the Eastern Diocese came into existence, and by which its 
first and only Bishop was elected. The organization has 
lived out its day and accomplished its purpose. It was de- 
manded by the exigences of the times and of the Church. 
Over its inception and result an almost visible divine Provi- 
dence has presided. It forms an item by itself in our Ecclesi- 
astical History ; and, as such, it deserves whatever of notice 
may be given of it in the ensuing pages of this memoir. The 
life of Bishop Griswold is the history of a Diocese, which be- 
gan, continued and ended with the office, which he received, 
honored and closed. 

I have said, an almost visible divine Providence presided 
over the inception of this movement. Here was a man, 
fitted beyond all others, then known, for the exigences which 
called him forth : a man, severe, simple, and primitive in 
his manners ; and thus qualified to smooth down and ulti- 
mately wear out those Pilgrim prejudices against Episcopacy, 
which had been excited by its accidental European associa- 



162 MEMOIR OF THE 

tion with wealth, and pomp and power : a man, increasingly 
filled with the very marrow and richness of the Gospel ; and 
thus fitted to meet and counteract that system of cold and 
merely moral preaching, which had so extensively obtained 
possession of our New England Episcopal pulpit : a man, 
sound and orthodox in his creed, both as a Churchman and 
as a divine ; and thus prepared to encounter and resist that 
fatal heterodoxy, which had eaten so deeply into the heart 
of the ancient New England Theology, and was even be- 
ginning to infect the leading congregations of our own 
Church: a man, patient, humble and self-denying; and thus 
formed to overcome, or to endure, the hardships, trials and 
discouragements, incident to a ministry which had, for its 
field, four rugged States, and one bleak extensive Territory, 
and, for its " nursing care," a body of few, feeble and scat- 
tered parishes, some of which were already falling into ruins : 
a man, well learned, of vigorous mind, and of most blame- 
lessly holy life ; and thus endowed with the best means of 
commanding the respect, winning the confidence, and secur- 
ing the love of all into whose fellowship he should be 
brought, and to whose attention it might be his duty to com- 
mend the Gospel of his divine Lord and Master : and yet, a 
man, unknown by character, and almost by name, to far the 
greater part of the Convention that elected him ; virtually an 
entire stranger to that body ; never before in Boston, save 
once when in his youth he accompanied his uncle on his 
way to Nova Scotia ; brought to the Convention by a most 
Providential incident, when on the very eve of his final re- 
moval from the Diocese ; and, though active in all those 
arrangements in Rhode Island, which looked towards this 
primary electing Convention in Boston, yet entering this 
latter body and finding himself at the very heart of its pro- 
ceedings — before even the idea of being made a Bishop had 
entered his mind, or flitted on its most rapid wing through 
his thoughts ; startled into wild agitation when it was first 
privately hinted to him ; overwhelmed with emotion when 
its reality burst publicly on his senses ; declining instantane- 
ously, and from his deepest heart, the office to which he was 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 163 

called ; and bending under the burthen of the thought, that 
God "in displeasure had suffered such an election to take 
place !" Was there in that humble minister a spark of feeling 
that could be termed either self-seeking, or o^ce-seeking ? 
Was it man's voice, or God's voice, that sounded in his ear, 
and bad him go forth of his seclusion ? Was it the Conven- 
tion, seeking for such a Bishop, as would, at first, have best 
pleased the majority of its members; or, was it God, provi- 
ding such a Bishop as He foresaw would, through a long 
life, minister most invigoratingly and most revivingly to the 
necessities of his own feeble and languishing Church ? God's 
Providence is often but his secret care over His own cause, 
evinced in the unforeseen results of human agency ; and in 
this sense it was, perhaps, never more visible than in that 
event, the history of which I have thus far been tracing, and 
the final issue of which is now so near at hand. 

As it has been stated, a year intervened between Bishop 
Griswold's election and his consecration. , The General 
Convention, at which it was expected his consecration would 
take place, was held in New Haven, from the 21st to the 24th 
of May, 1811. But, as the number of Bishops, required by 
Canon for the consecration of a Bishop elect, were not in at- 
tendance, nothing could be done beyond the presentation 
and signing of his testimonials, and the appointment of the 
29th day of the month in the city of New York as the time 
and place for the consummation of the work. 

It appears, from Bishop White's memoirs of the Church, 
(Phila., 1820, pp. 277, 278,) that the circumstances, which 
rendered this postponement necessary, had almost proved 
fatal to the continuance of our American Episcopacy, without 
a renewed recourse to the mother Church in England. 
Bishop Moore of New York, had just been " visited by a 
paralytic stroke." Bishop Claggett of Maryland, just re- 
covering from " severe indisposition," attempted to reach 
New Haven, but was compelled to return. Bishop Madison 
of Virginia felt bound under " the solemnity of an oath" not 
to leave the duties of the college of which he was President. 
Bishop Provoost, the Senior of Bishop Moore in New York, 



164 MEMOIR OF THE 

" had never performed any ecclesiastical duty" since the 
appointment of his assistant in 1801 ; and at this time, be- 
sides suffering slightly from the remains of a former paralysis, 
was but beginning to recover from an attack of "the 
jaundice." Bishops White and Jarvis, therefore, were the 
only occupants of the Episcopal Bench at the General Con- 
vention in New Haven. And even on the 29th of the 
month, at the adjournment in New York, it was, to the last 
hour, uncertain whether the consecration could proceed. 
During their absence at New Haven, Bishop Provoost had 
suffered a relapse, and it was feared he would be unable to 
attend. When the appointed hour arrived, however, " he 
found himself strong enough to give his attendance ; and 
thus," says Bishop White, "the business was happily ac- 
complished." The consecration was held in the old Trinity 
Church. 

Upon the general circumstances, which attended this act, it 
is not necessary here to offer any remarks. It was, — like all 
similar acts in our Church, at a time when services of this 
kind had not begun to attract crowds, — the simple, solemn, 
sublime rite of admitting to the highest degree in the minis- 
try one who had proved himself meet by blamelessness and 
fidelity in both of the degrees foregoing. And yet, it was 
attended by two particular circumstances, which rendered it 
for a long time a subject of more than ordinary interest and 
conversation. 

To one of these circumstances Bishop White alludes, in 
his "Memoirs of the Church," (p. 286—288.) It consisted 
in the accidental omission, at the laying on of hands, of the 
words, " In the name of the Father and of the Son and of 
the Holy Ghost." This omission was by some considered 
as invalidating the consecration ; and it was some time be- 
fore what Bishop White well styles " a criticism so indefen- 
sible," an " argument" on the ground of which " there is 
not at this time a Christian Bishop in the world," fell dead 
under the weight of its own absurdity. As if any particular 
form of words had ever been enjoined in the Bible, or could 
be enjoined by the Church, as that, without which the au- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 165 

thority to execute this high ministry can not be conveyed ! 
So early, however, in our American Episcopal Church did 
unscriptural and uncatholic notions begin to prevail touching 
the peculiar spiritual powers supposed to be communicated 
and transmitted in this last of our three ordaining acts. For 
a fuller view of this case, the reader is referred to the u Me- 
moirs of the Church" as above cited. It is observable that 
the anxiety, which was then felt about this supposed invali- 
dating omission, had respect exclusively to the case of Bishop 
Hob art, who was consecrated at the same time, and who, it 
was expected, would in due season become the presiding, 
or Senior Bishop in our Church. Not a word was said of 
any apprehended effect of the omission on Bishop Griswold's 
orders, although the omission happened in his case as well 
as in that of Bishop Hobart. 

To the other of the two circumstances Bishop Griswold 
himself alludes in his auto-biography. It consisted simply 
in the imposition of hands on Dr. Hobart before Mr. Gris- 
wold. The allusion to it is contained in the following para- 
graph from the auto-biography, written after Bishop Griswold 
had become, by the demise of Bishop White, and the pre- 
vious demise of Bishop Hobart, the Senior on our Episcopal 
bench. 

" My consecration was at New York in 1811. Why the 
ordination of a Bishop should be so called, more than that 
of a Deacon or Presbyter, I do not know. The Rev. Dr. 
Hobart was ordained at the same time. Though he was 
several years younger than myself, was elected nearly a year 
after my election, and was chosen to be but an assistant 
Bishop, still he was registered as my Senior, and uniformly 
had the precedence. The purpose of this partiality was that 
he, rather than I, should, in the probable course of events, 
be the presiding Bishop. I would to God it might so have 
been. Through all my life, I have delighted most in retire- 
ment. To appear in any public or conspicuous station, has 
ever been unpleasant ; and, as far as duty would admit, I 
have avoided it. It was with great reluctance that I after- 
wards consented to preside in the house of Bishops. It was 



166 MEMOIR OF THE 

much more painful to me from my knowing that such 
measures had been taken to prevent it. The whole business 
has been much blessed to me in the subduing of a proud 
heart. My first two ordinations were not a little blessed in 
the same way ; but much more this last. Indeed, whether 
or not it be considered as boasting, I can truly say: that, at 
no period of my life, have I thought that I had less honor in 
this world than to my merits was due. In particular cases, 
certainly, (which may no doubt be said of almost every per- 
son, who has occupied a conspicuous station in society,) I 
have been unjustly censured, and my motives and conduct 
have not been always duly appreciated : but in more instances 
my failings have not been generally known. A retrospect 
of my life past presents a most humiliating view of sins and 
follies." 

It may be thought by some that the above paragraph, 
assigning the reason why Bishop Hob art was put in pre- 
cedency to Bishop Griswold, had better been omitted in the 
present memoir. In reply to such a suggestion, however, I 
have two reasons to assign for its insertion. 

In the first place ; its author was better acquainted with 
the reasons and circumstances of the movement than the 
present writer can pretend to be ; and it is not likely that 
such a man as he, writing at such a period of his life, would 
deliberately state what he did not know, or had not good 
reasons for believing, to be correct. 

In the second place ; he has inserted it as part of an 
auto-biographical sketch, apparently intended for publication ; 
and therefore the present writer could not feel at liberty to 
withhold it. He considers its insertion as a. simple compli- 
ance with the apparent will of its author ; with such an ex- 
pression of his will, as he is not at liberty to disregard. 

It would not be proper, however, to let this occasion pass 
without inserting, in connexion with what Bishop Griswold 
has left on record, the reason, which Bishop White is un- 
derstood to have assigned for laying the ordaining hand first 
on Dr. Hob art, instead of Mr. Griswold. It is this : that 
the former was a Doctor in Divinity at the time of the con- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 167 

secration, while the latter was not ; and that, in England, 
whence our Episcopacy is derived, precedency is accorded, 
not to seniority in age, but to priority of date in university 
degrees. That such was Bishop White's reason, there is, I 
believe, no doubt ; and that he considered it a sound one, 
no man, who is acquainted with the character of that honored 
servant of Christ, will, for a moment, hesitate to believe. 
Still, whether it was, indeed, a sound reason ; whether the 
English University Law of precedency in this matter is, or 
was, of any authority in this country ; or whether, under the 
very marked and peculiar circumstances of the case, it was 
even proper to make that law an w?iauthoritative rule for our 
American practice ; these are points, which admit of serious 
question. That Bishop White, with his familiar knowledge 
of English customs, and with his attachment to English pre- 
cedents, should have given the assigned reason undue weight, 
it is easy to conceive : but it is not easy to conceive that, 
under the very peculiar circumstances of the case, he would 
have given that reason a governing weight, had not his mind, 
unconsciously to itself without doubt, felt the pressure of a 
strong feeling, in action about him, and moving him in the 
direction which the service of consecration took. 

It is not probable that the point, which has now been 
brought into view, will ever in this country become invested 
with any serious importance. Nor should I have noticed it 
at all, had I not felt bound to let the writer of the auto-bio- 
graphy before me speak in the language, which he apparently 
intended should meet the public eye ; and had I not felt, 
moreover, that to write the life of a public man is not merely 
to describe his person and his character, but also to show his 
connexion with the times, in which he lived, and with the 
cotemporaries among whom he acted. A public man lives 
in the impress which he leaves on his age, and in the impress 
which his age has made on himself. The past is not dead, 
but alive ; and the feelings which live in it may be of use to 
the present, even though they come not to us in the laws 
and institutes, which hold distant ages together. The men 
of the past may become the monitors of the present ; and, 



168 MEMOIR OF THE 

what is more, the good men of the past may be appreciated 
by the present more justly perhaps than they were by their 
own generation; and may understand one another now, better 
than while they were moving amidst the mere twilight of 
this lower life. White, Hob art and Griswold do full justice 
to each other in heaven ; as certainly as it was never in their 
hearts to do injustice to one another on earth. 

The feelings of Bishop Griswold upon being called to act 
as Senior Bishop of our Church will appear again, when we 
come to notice that period of his life. His remark in the 
foregoing extract on the use of the word, " consecration," 
as applied to Bishops in distinction from Presbyters and 
Deacons, is an index to the character of his mind, and to his 
views of the power supposed to be conveyed by the last of 
our three ordaining acts. He disliked the use of terms, 
which express more than should be meant ; and was far from 
agreeing with those, who consider the ordination of a Bishop 
as investing him, by a sort of miraculous or mysterious trans- 
mission, with the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, or 
with the marvellous power of continuing an alleged perpetual 
incarnation of Christ in the visible body of his Church. 
Always in conversation, and generally in writing, he spoke 
of his investment with the Episcopal office as his ordination. 
Even in signing official formulae, such as letters of orders, 
which are usually dated in such or such a year of the Bishop's 
consecration, he always substituted some other word as often 
as he conveniently could. And yet, it is evident that he 
attached no very great importance to either the use, or the 
omission of the term, consecration; inasmuch as we occasion- 
ally meet with it in his writings, and even in his auto -biog- 
raphy, where its use was not required as a matter of official 
formality. While his eye was open to the truth, that great 
effects sometimes flow from little causes, still he was no 
more disposed to spend his time and his strength in contend- 
ing about trifles, than he was to draw consideration towards 
himself by an undue magnifying of his office. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 169 



EARLY EVENTS IN THE EPISCOPATE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 

In the foregoing portions of this memoir, we have traced, 
as minutely, and as faithfully as the materials furnished would 
allow, the history of the first forty-five years in the life of its 
revered subject. We have noticed the remarkable qualities 
of mind, which he so early developed ; the circumstances, 
amidst which his character was formed ; the difficulties, 
under which he labored in the prosecution of his early 
studies ; the impressions, which these circumstances and 
difficulties left on his mind ; the discipline, which they fur- 
nished in laying the foundation of his principles, and in giv- 
ing direction to the course of his life ; the humble, quiet, 
laborious, and self-denying discharge of ministerial duty, on 
which he entered ; and the wonderful manner, in which a 
good Providence watched over all his movements and or- 
dered all his steps. And, in taking this observation, we 
have seen clearly how God was, all along, fashioning him 
into an instrument for special use, in the work, upon which 
he was afterwards to enter ; how his Divine Teacher at first 
gradually led him forth from the defective, or imperfect views 
of the Gospel, which so far as our Church was concerned, 
were characteristic of the times, in which he was born, and 
the influences, amidst which he was educated ; and finally, 
how that same heavenly Teacher gave depth and spirituality 
to his religious experience and character, and anointed him 
with an uncommon measure of the " fulness" of Him, whose 
Gospel he was to preach, and whose ministry he was to 
perpetuate. 

It may by some be supposed that, had Bishop Griswold 
possessed more of the impulsive and dazzling qualities of 
character ; had his modesty and self-distrust been less, and 
his power to strike at once the popular mind, and to put in 
motion great schemes for the extension of the Church, been 



170 MEMOIR OF THE 

greater ; he would have done a better work in his day, and 
left behind him more splendid monuments of his usefulness. 
But, this may well be doubted. That which has the most 
sudden, and the most imposing beginning, does not always 
last longest, nor grow largest. Besides, when we consider 
the character of the population,upon which he was to operate 
in the keen, cool, thoughtful sons of the Pilgrims, and the 
nature of the prejudices, which he was to encounter in those 
feelings, which had once reared themselves as if into a wall 
of fire along the whole New England coast, that Episcopacy 
might never live to effect a landing on their shores : — when 
we consider even these things, it will be evident that had he 
been other than the severely simple, modest, unpretending, 
holy and blameless man that he was, he never could have 
acquired the influence, which he did ; he never could have 
laid that wall of fire into a mere quiet, harmless pathway for 
our Church to travel on ; he never could have left even in 
our own Church itself those deep, purifying and harmonizing 
influences, which it needed, which it has received, and on 
which, as a base, may now be reared a glorious superstruc- 
ture ; in the words of Mr. Bronson, " a name and a praise 
in the earth." When God hath a special work to do, He 
uniformly fits His instrument to His occasion. Such evident- 
ly was His way in the case before us. To judge Bishop 
Griswold justly, we must riot go to the city, where, indeed, 
his influence was always salutary and his reputation honora- 
ble, but to the country, where his great work lay, and where 
his presence was always hailed as that of a true man of God, 
and as that of a richly endowed ambassador for Christ. 
Never, probably, will the hills and vallies of New England 
feel the tread of a foot, or hear the sound of a voice, that 
shall waken the echo of a more hearty welcome than his, or 
that shall find the moral elements around better prepared to 
yield to the quietly, unobtrusively growing influence of the 
man, who shall walk there, or of the messenger, who shall 
there proclaim " the unsearchable riches of Christ." 

No sooner had he received the office, than he entered on 
the work, of a true Bishop. Even before his consecration, 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 171 

he began to receive letters, which made him feel, by antici- 
pation, the pressure of the duties, which awaited him. Of 
such is the following brief epistle. 

" Lanesborough, May the 20th, 1811. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — I have scarcely one moment to 
write, and therefore you will excuse my brevity. 

" As I shall not attend at Boston, should you not fail of 
being consecrated for want of a proper number of Bishops, I 
will thank you to let me know, as soon as possible, viz : by 

the bearer, Mr. , when you will visit my Church. We 

want your aid extremely, in settling some serious difficulties 
in. this parish, as well as in administering the holy rite of 
confirmation. Do not so make your arrangements but that 
you can spend a number of days with us, not less than four. 
The bearer is impatient. 

Your humble servant in Christ, 

Amos Pardee." 

The Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, } 
Bishop elect. £ 

The present writer remembers well the visit, which, in 
five weeks from his consecration, the Bishop paid (in answer 
to this invitation) to the churches in the valley of the Housa- 
tonic, at Lanesborough, Lenox and Gt. Barrington. It was 
the first they had ever received from a Bishop. Although 
Bishop Bass held the office for six years, yet he never visited 
these distant parishes of his charge. The visit of Bishop 
Griswold was therefore received with the greatest satisfac- 
tion, and regarded as a most signal event. The whole body 
of communicants in each parish, besides many not commu- 
nicants, was to be confirmed. In that of Gt. Barrington, 
especially, where the Bishop's brother was Rector, and where 
the present writer was a parishioner, the 4th of July, 1811, 
was rendered memorable to Episcopalians, not by the ring- 
ing of bells, and the firing of cannon, and the huzzas of 
those, who shouted to the liberties of their country, but, by 
the fact that 128 of their number knelt around the chancel 
rails of the quiet little village Church, before the first Bishop 
that had ever spoken within its walls, and received from him 



172 MEMOIR OF THE 

that hand of blessing and that voice of sacred cheer, which 
bad them go on their way holily, as the citizens of a heavenly 
kingdom and the soldiers of a more than earthly king. He, 
who traces these lines, was among the number of those who 
thus knelt and were encouraged ; and though he was young, 
and, (like the youth who once knelt before Bishop Seabury, 
but whose fatherly hand was then pressing his own boyish 
head) not fully aware of the nature and extent of the obliga- 
tion, which he assumed, yet he remembers vividly the deep 
solemnity, which reigned over that crowded assembly, and 
especially over those, who gathered round the holy man, as 
he gave them his words of blessing and his prayer to God 
for their future growth in grace. The day was long remem- 
bered, and by many doubtless as a season of rich spiritual 
blessing to their souls. 

Similar scenes met the Bishop wherever he went on that 
his first Episcopal visitation. Even in those parts of his 
Diocese, which had formerly been favored with the presence 
of Bishop Bass, eight years had passed without any recur- 
rence of the favor. All the parishes therefore had begun 
deeply to feel the need of that refreshing influence, which, 
under our system, so generally accompanies the movements 
of a truly faithful Bishop. 

Bishop Griswold was then in the ripe prime of life : his 
voice, though not strong, was yet clear, and musical ; his 
appearance remarkably dignified and impressive ; and his 
influence peculiarly sweet, conciliating and harmonizing. 
The hand of God had already twice been laid upon him, 
and was about to be laid upon him again, in the death of 
beloved children. His first Harriet died, as we have seen, 
in 1805. His daughter Eunice, in the lovely womanhood 
of twenty, died but a few weeks before his consecration. 
And now, his eldest child, Elizabeth, his first born, the 
wife of Mr. Augustus Collins, was just ready to drop from 
the parent stem, on which she had grown ; while Viets, his 
oldest son, was on the eve of starting for Cuba in the vain 
hope of averting the approach of the insidious destroyer, 
which had so openly fixed himself within the family circle. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 173 

Thus he already stood like a man in the midst of his flower- 
garden ; seeing his cherished and beautiful flowers fading and 
dying around him ; calm indeed, and uncomplaining at the 
sight, yet filled by it with a strong and irrepressible sensi- 
bility, and touched by it to a deep and sacred musing. 

Such was Bishop Griswold, when he first began to move 
among the Churches committed to his care ; the well- 
furnished and diligent, the meek, the subdued, the lovely 
servant of Jesus. All felt that he was a man, whose thoughts 
were much in heaven. All realized that there was in his 
presence a something spiritual not seen on other men. And 
many found that with him came the prayer that " availeth 
much," and the anointing of that Holy One, who teacheth 
to know all things profitable to salvation. 

The condition of his diocese, when he entered on his 
duties, may be judged by what has already been incidentally 
said, and from the following statement. In the four States 
of Massachusetts, (which then included the District of Maine,) 
Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont, there were in 
all twenty-two parishes, and sixteen officiating clergymen. 
Of these parishes, however, several existed in little more 
than name : several others were very feeble ; and the main 
strength of the Diocese lay in a small number of old and 
comparatively wealthy congregations. Even of these, how- 
ever, Trinity Church, Boston ; St. John's, Providence ; and 
Trinity, Newport, were the only ones possessed of much 
strength. Christ Church, Boston ; St. Paul's, Newburyport ; 
St. Michael's, Bristol ; St. Paul's, Narraganset country ; St. 
John's, Portsmouth ; and St. James', Gt. Barrington, were 
respectable and ante-revolutionary parishes, able to support 
their own clergymen, but not able to contribute much towards 
the endowment of a bishopric. Besides the twenty-two 
parishes in actual existence, there were the ashes of a few 
extinct ones, upon which, however, have since sprung up 
new and thriving congregations. Such was the state of the 
Diocese in this particular. 

Of the clergy, some were lax and soon became the sub^ 
jects of discipline. Most of them, however, were worthy 



174 MEMOIR OF THE 

men, and continued to labor under their new Bishop with 
diligence and exemplary fidelity. 

On the whole, the state of the Diocese was one of great 
and previously increasing weakness. Its eight years of exis- 
tence without the superintending care of a Bishop, had proved 
years of decay. Its tone of religious feeling and confidence 
had become confessedly depressed. Discouragement in some 
parts was setting in to sink it still lower. And the lack of 
discipline was admitting irregularities both in morals and in 
order, especially in the more retired parts of the Diocese. 
The consecration of a new Bishop was, indeed, hailed with 
satisfaction every where ; and every where he was received 
with cordiality and warm support. Still, as it is easy to see, 
an arduous work lay before him ; in some respects more 
arduous than that of building up an entirely new Diocese. 
To revive what has become languid, and fixed in habits of 
inactivity ; and to harmonize and cement elements, which 
have become loose and jarring through long absence of uni- 
ting, binding influences ; is often more difficult than to collect 
new materials, and keep them in the progress of growth and 
in a state of consolidation. There is, in this latter case, a 
feeling of fresh, new-born life, and of cheerful onward follow- 
ing in the counsels of a recognized and influential head, 
which is unknown in the former ; and which is decidedly 
favorable to vigorous effort and to successful enterprise. But, 
the very weakness of the Diocese, to which he was called, 
was one of the reasons, why he accepted the call ; and there- 
fore, the proofs of it, with which he met, neither surprised 
nor disheartened him. He entered on the difficult work be- 
fore him, prepared for all its exigences, and braced against 
all its discouragements ; resolved, by ceaseless diligence and 
blameless devotion to his Master's cause, to do all that, 
through the grace of God, might be possible in rearing up 
the fabric of a vital Church out of the still feeble remains of 
what the shock of revolutionary war had left well nigh des- 
titute of life. 

It has passed into a sort of proverb, that, the mitre is a 
sovereign specific for the cure of defective churchmanship ; 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 175 

and by many it has been supposed to minister strengthingly 
to a Bishop's love of power, and to a disposition to " mag- 
nify his office" even beyond the measure of apostolic zeal. 
But, however well founded such views may be, they were 
not realized in the case of Bishop Griswold. For, ift 
fact, he had no defective churchmanship to be cured ; 
while, in every other respect, the influence of his election 
and consecration was to fix and settle him in wisely moder- 
ate views of the Church and of that chief ministry in the 
Church, to which he had been called. He was a Protestant 
Episcopal churchman in the fullest and best sense of the 
terms; but, as a Bishop, he never belonged to any party in 
the Church. He went for Christ and the salvation of men : 
he went for the Church in her integrity and purity : but he 
went for no strained theory in either doctrine or polity; and 
was more anxious by humble zeal and noiseless fidelity to 
adorn the office which he bore, than by extravagant claims 
and vociferous panegyric to urge it on the attention of others. 
It was evident to all, who noticed him, that he regarded his 
office, not as an occasion for setting himself up as a lord 
over God's heritage, but simply as a means of doing in- 
creased good to the sheep of his pasture. He looked upon 
that office, not as conferring on him rights, titles and immu- 
nities, but as imposing on him cares, duties, and responsi- 
bilities. He felt its call to increased diligence, humility and 
spirituality in the service of Christ ; and besides this, felt little 
else, and thought of little more. 

To the fact of his belonging to no party in the Church, he 
alludes in the following paragraph from his auto-biography ; 
and I give it as an important illustration of one of the leading 
traits in his Episcopal character and conduct : 

u Soon after my consecration, I found, and was in some 
degree surprized at finding, a remarkable change in my feel- 
ings and affections towards the clergy in my Diocese. I had 
before, as I supposed, viewed those with whom I was ac- 
quainted, as brethren and friends, and as Christian charity 
required. But, after I became their Bishop, they seemed to 
me as children. I felt a lively interest in their honor, hap- 



176 MEMOIR OF THE 

piness and prosperity, which I had never felt before. 
Whether this was selfishness concealed from my own view, 
I will not decide. I was disposed, (perhaps too much so) to 
regard it as the result of good and right influences : it cer- 
tainly gave me pleasure ; and it no less certainly influenced 
me in the. determination to treat them as a parent should his 
children, with equal favor and love. However, in sentiment 
some may have differed from me, I certainly have endeavor- 
ed, to the utmost of my knowledge and power, to treat them 
all with strict impartiality. It was very natural that any one, 
in the like situation, should, by those especially who were 
interested, be suspected of partiality. I have accordingly 
been accused of it. On the contrary, however, some have 
thought that I did not sufficiently regard the interests of the 
Church in my adherence to such impartiality as that which 
I had determined to observe. Of this, I leave others to 
judge ; intending no more than to declare what have been 
the facts and the principles of my conduct. 

" One thing is too evident to those, who have any know- 
ledge of mankind, that, in times when conflicting interests, 
party spirit and differing creeds agitate society and divide 
Christians, (and such are the times in which almost all Chris- 
tians live,) no one will be popular, or much extolled or 
caressed, unless he becomes a partisan, and promotes the 
interest and cause of some one of the contending parties. 
He, who would steer a middle course, doing justice to all 
and injury to none ; who, as the case commonly is, sees 
something good and something wrong in every party, or sect, 
must hope, at the most, only to escape censure and to have 
the answer of a good conscience. As he will not go to the 
extremes of any party and advocate what they chiefly aim 
at, they will expect little from him ; he therefore is of course 
neglected of all. And happy, as he ought to view it, is 
such neglect. In a world like this, if it will but let us alone, 
if it will but let us quietly pass through it, walking in the 
straight-forward course of our duty, with this should a good 
man be satisfied. Though I have probably been as decided 
in my opinions as other men are, I have from my youth de- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 177 

termined to be of no party in politics, or in sectarianism. In 
regard to the former, it is, in my judgment, better for the 
clergy, and for their parishes, and indeed for their country, 
that they should leave civil government and the management 
of public temporal concerns to the laity. The history of the 
world shews that politics and state affairs have seldom been 
well managed when in the hands of priests. Their business 
is with a kingdom, which is not of this world ; and they 
are engaged in a warfare, whose weapons are not carnal." 

This last remark brings to mind the answer, which he 
gave to his Connecticut inquisitor, when the latter attempted 
to extort a confession of Mr. Griswold's politics ; and it 
shows, not only that the Bishop was accustomed to act on 
principle, but also that, with him, principles were life-long 
things; not adopted without consideration, and therefore, 
when adopted, seldom if ever laid aside. 

As to the influence of his entrance on the Episcopate upon 
his religious feelings, character and labors, it is a remark of 
the Rev. Dr. Crocker, who was his colleague from Rhode 
Island in the electing Convention at Boston in 1810 : that, 
" to all who knew him intimately, and observed him care- 
fully, it was obvious that his providential promotion was the 
means of bringing home to his heart, with a power, which 
he had never before felt, the conviction that he was an ap- 
pointed instrument in the hands of God for the good of his 
people. His public discourses assumed a warmth, an unc- 
tion, an authority, an evangelical character, that had not 
previously belonged to them. And it should never be for- 
gotten that the extraordinary revival in the summer of 1812, 
one year after his consecration, was the fruit of his growing 
faithfulness." 

To the same effect remarks the Rev. Mr. Bronson, the 
clerical delegate to the same Convention from the Church 
in Vermont, and one of the Bishop's early and constant friends. 

In his new situation, " he labored, literally labored, preach- 
ing statedly on Wednesday evenings besides his three ser- 
vices every Sunday ; in his leisure hours working a large 



178 MEMOIR OF THE 

garden, and providing for his family ; and writing his ser- 
mons mostly in the night. Nor did he c preach Matthew 
Henry, or Thomas Scott,' or any other earthly Master ; but 
the warm effusions of his own heart. By his faithful labors 
he soon laid the foundation for that remarkable revival, 
which, in one season, brought about 100 members to the 
communion of his Church." 

Of the striking fact, noticed in both the above extracts, it 
is a matter for devout thankfulness that the Bishop has left 
us in his auto-biography his own simple account. I give it 
with a feeling of assurance that none will read it without satis- 
faction, and that many will see in it an occasion for fervent 
praise to God. The Bishop says: 

" In the year 1812, there was in Bristol an awakened at- 
tention to the subject of religion, which was very wonderful, 
and the like of which I had never before witnessed. It 
commenced among the members of my parish, when no such 
tiling was looked for, nor indeed thought of. No unusual 
efforts had been made with any view to such an excitement. 
My administering of confirmation in the parish a few months 
previously had not improbably some effect. My recent or- 
dination to the Episcopate was the means of awakening my 
own mind to more serious thoughts of duty as a minister of 
Christ ; and in consequence I had, no doubt, with more ear- 
nest zeal preached c Jesus Christ and him crucified.' The 
change, which I first noticed was the appearance of increased 
seriousness in the congregation ; especially on leaving the 
Church after service. There was little or no laughing, or 
merry salutation among the people ; neither talking of world- 
ly things. After the benediction, and a minute of private 
prayer, they retired silent and thoughtful. Some soon began 
to express a religious concern respecting their spiritual state, 
and were anxious to know ' what they should do to be 
saved.' 

" In consequence of this awakened and increasing inquiry, 
I began to meet with them one or two evenings in the week, 
not only that we might unite in praying that they might be 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 179 

led into the way of truth, and enjoy the comforts of hope, 
and of peace in believing, but that I might save time to my- 
self and them, by conversing at the same time with a num- 
ber who were in the same state of mind. I soon found that 
the number of such inquirers had increased to about thirty ; 
and in a very short time the awakening was general through 
the town, and very wonderful. 

" Very much to my regret, the number of communicants 
had hitherto been small, but about forty : and yet, notwith- 
standing the very zealous efforts of those of other denomina- 
tions to draw the converts to their respective communions, a 
large number of adults (forty-four) were baptized, and a 
hundred were added to my communion, of whom more 
than half had before been accustomed to attend worship in 
other places, or in no place. These converts were not en- 
couraged in ranting, or in any enthusiastic raptures ; nor did 
they incline to any extravagance ; but gladly hearkened to 
the ' words of truth and soberness ;' and very few of them 
afterwards c turned from the holy commandment delivered 
unto them.' " 

The subject of revivals is one, against which many in our 
Church feel strong prejudices ; not because they dislike the 
religious feelings and results, which such seasons may ex- 
hibit, but because they have heard so much of the evils, 
which are alleged to accompany them, and which, in some 
instances, have doubtless been their accompaniments. But 
it is believed no reasonable objection can be made to such a 
series of facts as that, which the foregoing judicious narra- 
tive of the Bishop presents. To object to such facts would 
be evidence of a mind prepared " to fight against God." No 
minister of Christ, under whose ministry such facts have oc- 
curred, will ever be found on the list of such objectors. To 
see such fruits of one's regular, faithful, warm-hearted min- 
isterial labors, is to stand too nearly in the manifested pre- 
sence of God's Holy Spirit, to allow of any feeling of doubt 
or objection as to the origin of what he sees. The feeling 
of opposition cannot live a moment in any Christian heart 
amidst such demonstrations of the sacred, though silent 



J 80 MEMOIR OF THE 

goings of God in His sanctuary and among his people, as 
He graciously sheds the dews of His Spirit on the faithfully 
implanted seed of His word, and on the trustingly discharged 
duties of His servant. If all our parishes were scenes of 
such gracious blessing, few of our ministers would fail to 
give God thanks for His mercy while acknowledging His 
presence with their flocks, and His seal upon their labors. 

In the case of Bishop Griswold we need not hesitate to 
say; the facts, which he has narrated, were among the best 
credentials, which he ever received, that God had indeed 
commissioned him to a specially good and great work in His 
Church ; and among the best of proofs ever to be given, 
that, where this high ministry is, — not coveted and sought 
for the honor which it confers, and the distinction which it 
brings, but — simply received, in an humble and self-renounc- 
ing spirit, as an opportunity and an incentive to more abun- 
dant and spiritual labors for the glory of God and the salva- 
tion of souls, with but one eye to this divine end, — there it 
will ever prove one of the richest of God's visible gifts to 
His Church upon earth. 

The Bishop's daughter, Mrs. Collins, to whom reference 
has already been made, died the 29th of December, 1811 : 
and his son Viets, who, as we have seen, went to Cuba for 
his health, survived no longer than May 1st, 1812.* Yet, 

* The following letter, written to his son in Cuba, about a fortnight be- 
fore Mrs. Collins's death, is deemed worthy of preservation in a note. It 
speaks the quietly submissive, yet anxiously affectionate parent : 

" Bristol, Dec. 13, 1811. 

" Dear Son, — There are several vessels, about this time sailing from this 
town for the Havana, so that, in case it has pleased Divine Providence to 
preserve you in safety to the same place, you may, 'tis hopeful, have the . 
satisfaction of hearing from us often. We have nothing very material to * 
acquaint you with. Our last news from Betsey was unfavorable : she was 
more ill than she had been. At home, we continue in health, but in very 
great anxiety for those, who are absent from us. You will ordinarily be 
able soon to determine whether the change of climate is likely to prove 
favorable to your health. Should the prospect be unfavorable, especially 
if you find yourself growing more ill, we hope and desire that you will not 
fail to return by the first convenient opportunity. But I have heard of so 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 181 

notwithstanding the recentness and the pressure of these 
afflictions, and though God was manifestly and wonderfully 
blessing his labors in his own parish, he felt it his duty to 
fulfil his engagements to his Diocese. He was the servant 
of all the churches now ; and therefore, in the very midst of 
the awakened interest of which he has given us an account, 
he departed on his second Episcopal tour through the four 
States. Still, the blessing, which he had seen falling on his 
parish ministry, continued to descend ; and after his anxious- 
ly expected return, he performed the glad office of gathering 
in its rich, ripe fruits ; 

"Joyous as when the reapers bear 
Their harvest treasures home." 

Of the condition of his parish, and of the progress of the 
sacred movement during his absence, he received, at Mid- 
dlebury, Vermont, the following account from the present 
Bishop of Rhode Island, who was at that time pursuing his 
theological studies in Bristol, as a candidate for orders 
under Bishop Griswold. I give the most important parts of 
the letter. 

many instances, in which complaints similar to yours have been removed, 
or much relieved, by a voyage to sea, that we are not without hope that it 
will please God to give a favorable issue to yours. Do not fail often to 
write and let us know exactly the state of your health. This we desire the 
rather because verbal reports in such cases are so little to be relied on. 
Should you be in want of money, or any thing we can send, let us know 
it. 

" I expect soon to go to Connecticut, and we shall attempt removing 
Betsey, home, if we shall judge her able to bear so long a journey in so 
cold a season. We hear, however, that she is very contented with her 
present situation, and wishes not to return unless it is our request. 

" It is needless, I trust, to add any directions or cautions respecting 
your own health. You will, no doubt, use all the prudence in your power : 
the rest we must submit to Him to whom alone belong the issues of life and 
death. To His mercy and holy keeping I commend you ; hoping and 
praying that, through His great goodness, you may again be restored to 
Your loving parent, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 
Q 



182 MEMOIR OF THE 

"Bristol, 22d August, 1812. 

" Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, — Such interesting events have 
occurred since you left us, and the present state of your peo- 
ple is so peculiarly and pleasingly interesting, that I have, 
for a few days past, had a strong inclination to write you a 
line; and this inclination could not be resisted when seconded 
last evening by the request of Mrs. Gris wold." * * * * 
********* " gi nce y 0ur departure the 
engagedness of your people in the good cause has apparent- 
ly increased. There have been some new instances of 
awakening: some, who were slightly impressed, are now 
mourning in bitterness for their sins ; and some, who were 
lately c heavy laden' with the burden of guilt, have entered 
into the promised i rest,' and are rejoicing in the love of 
God." (After mentioning the names of many individuals, 
the letter proceeds:) "At our last meeting, we had indeed 
a solemn but joyful season. A great number were present, 
ten or twelve of whom were dissolved in tears and crying 
for mercy. I have no doubt that the work of God is extend- 
ing and increasing both in power and in purity. Nothing 
like fanaticism has been manifested among our people ; but 
a most earnest hungering and thirsting for the bread and the 
waters of life eternal. I cannot express my own impatience 
and the anxiety of the people for your return. I fear much, 
lest the good work should be checked among us for want of 
an experienced pastor to encourage and promote it. At a 
time like the present, when God is shedding forth His Spirit, 
opening the eyes of the blind, and extorting from the hearts 
of many the cry of the awakened jailer, ( ( what shall I do to 
be saved ?') I most sensibly feel my weakness and insuffi- 
ciency for the work to which lam called." ***** 
* * * " The revival has just commenced among other 
denominations of Christians, and they are extremely active. 
I fear they are using means to draw some from our congre- 
gation ; and on that account your presence is more particular- 
ly needed. 

"I have the painful task of announcing to you another 
afflicting stroke of Divine Providence. Mrs. Griswold has 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 183 

just heard of the death of her second brother." * * * * 
"Never have I known the words of the apostle, 'Whom the 
Lord loveth He chasteneth,' more fully verified than in your 
family. That God, in His infinite mercy may sanctify to you 
and yours all your afflictions * * * *, is the fervent prayer 
of 

Your affectionate disciple 

In the Gospel of our Lord, 

John P. K. Henshaw." 

The influence of the events of the summer of 1812, on the 
parish of St. Michael's, Bristol, is felt to the present day, both 
in its spiritual and in its temporal condition. Precious fruits, 
put forth on that season, are still ripening there ; and, as we 
shall see, other seasons like it, and with like precious fruits, 
have since been added. Of the influence of that summer 
on the external growth of the parish, the Bishop thus writes 
in the auto-biography : 

" Though the church edifice in Bristol had, as before re^ 
lated, been enlarged, yet it was soon found to be too small 
to accommodate all w T ho desired seats in it. In other re- 
spects, also, it was judged not to be so comfortable and con- 
venient, nor indeed so respectable, as a parish so large and 
wealthy ought to have. Accordingly proposals were made, 
and subscriptions soon filled for building a stone church, 
90 feet by 60. But because a few of the principal families 
disapproved of the measure, it was judged to be prudent to 
postpone the work for a time. And most providential it was 
that they did so : for not long after there were such failures 
in business, such losses and pecuniary distress, as affected 
nearly every person in the town. The banks lost a large 
part of their stock. A very considerable part of the little 
property which I then had, was lost. Many were so re- 
duced that they would not have been able to pay their sub- 
scriptions to the proposed new church ; and had it been be- 
gun, it would have added to the distress. The parish has 
since built a handsome, convenient church, of wood however, 
and not quite so large as was at first intended," 



184 MEMOIR OF THE 

The congregation continued to meet and worship in the 
old church till after the Bishop's removal from Bristol: and 
the new edifice of which he speaks was built under the rec- 
torship of his immediate and efficient successor in the parish, 
the Rev. Mr. Bristed. 

As the auto-biography, which has furnished so many in- 
teresting and important portions of the memoir thus far, is 
about to close ; and as the only portion of it, which remains 
to be transferred to these pages, is a sort of list of the courses 
of evening sermons or lectures, which the Bishop delivered in 
Bristol, before as well as after his consecration, and upon 
which God vouchsafed so abundant a blessing ; it may as 
well be inserted here, as in any subsequent portion of the 
work. 

" While in Bristol," he writes, "I delivered several courses 
of lectures : one of about eighty or ninety on the four Gos- 
pels in the way of a harmony. After having finished them, 
I was much urged by my hearers to publish them. But, 
though I had reason to hope that, through the blessing of God, 
they were not a little useful to my congregation and to many 
others, who attended Church in the evening to hear them, 
yet, as they were necessarily prepared in much haste, and I 
could not find time, (having then a large school, and preach- 
ing three times a Sunday) to correct and improve them, they 
were none of them published, and have since been destroyed 
with many hundreds of other manuscript discourses. In pre- 
paring them I made some use of the Harmonies of Bishop 
Newcome and Macknight, of Bishop Porteus' Lectures on 
Matthew, of Hunter's Sacred Biography, and of several com- 
mentators and other writers ; but no use, I trust, which was 
inconsistent with a claim to originality. I have already 
burnt, or otherwise destroyed, about twelve or fourteen hun- 
dred of my manuscript sermons, not because less my own 
composition than those -which remain, but because I had 
more than I could ever use in future, and because they 
would all probably be useless after my decease. I have in 
many instances declined giving my sermons for the press, 
when requested, from observing how little such publications 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 185 

are read, and how soon, like old newspapers, they are thrown 
away. In the present age, when light reading for amuse- 
ment is so much in vogue, good sermons are but little read, 
though published in elegant volumes, which seems to be al- 
most necessary to their being read at all. 

" I delivered also a series of discourses, thirty- three in 
number, on the Acts of the Apostles : about twelve on the 
Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity, which I would gladly find 
time better to digest and complete : one on each of the ten 
Commandments, to which I added five on our Lord's sum- 
mary of the Decalogue : several on the Catechism, and the 
Apostle's Creed, and on each chapter of the Revelation of 
Bk John. 

" A celebrated author has observed that Calvin was wise 
in not writing upon the Revelation ; and the more celebrated 
Voltaire has thought fit to say that c Sir Isaac Newton wrote 
his comment upon the Revelation to console mankind for 
the great superiority which he had over them in other re- 
spects.' But I considered that One, who is much wiser and 
of infinitely better authority, has said ; i Blessed is he that 
readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophesy, and 
keep those things that are written therein.' Rev. i. 3. With 
this text in view, I endeavored, in a practical way, to in- 
struct my congregation to hear to edification what can already 
be understood of those prophecies, and to keep the things 
written therein. But, in preparing those discourses, though 
the preparation was hastily done, light seemed to break upon 
my mind, and interesting views of what was there predicted, 
which I long hoped to find time to digest and arrange into 
some regular form. That time, however, has never been 
found. 

" I also delivered a course of seventy lectures on the five 
books of Moses. In all these I had a general text in view, 
the words of our Saviour, 4 search the Scriptures ; for in them 
ye think ye have eternal life ; and they are they which testify 
of me :' particularly noticing what we learn from those Scrip- 
tures of Christ and his work of redemption. Such a plan, 



186 MEMOIR OF THE 

well executed, would, in my judgment, be a valuable acqui- 
sition to our Theological Libraries. 

"These courses of lectures were all delivered Sunday 
evenings, and, so far as I can judge, have been among the 
most efficacious of my pulpit labors. During the services, 
such portions of Scripture were read as were thought most 
appropriate to the subject, respectively, of each discourse." 

After reading such paragraphs as those which have now 
been transcribed, and with which, amidst many regrets, we 
take leave of the modest Bishop's auto-biographical sketch of 
himself, it is difficult to say which, at the outset, would have 
been the more desirable, that he should become the constant- 
ly engrossed supervisor of his parish and his diocese, spend- 
ing all his time in gathering, uniting, cementing and instru- 
mentally vivifying the elements of that extended ecclesiasti- 
cal body, which was placed under his care ; or that he should 
have it in his power to follow the strong native bent of his 
inclinations as a man of reading and research ; to become the 
patient as well as the ardent student, the productive as well 
as the profound theologian, the voluminous as well as the 
luminous author ; and thus, instead of committing to the 
flames bushels of manuscript evidently rich in the rudiments 
of valuable truth and knowledge, to pour the light which 
gathered upon his own mind over the mind of his age and 
over the libraries of the Church in all coming ages. 

That the estimate, here implied, of his ability to bless the 
world, not beyond^ but as one among , the rich and ripe 
scholars of the Church, is not extravagant, enough, I trust, 
has in the foregoing pages been said to shew. However 
little the world may have been aware of it, that quiet, mod- 
est, humble Bishop drew from his German ancestry so large 
an inspiration of the German industry, aye, and of the Ger- 
man genius, for scholarship, that, had he been even moder- 
ately able to indulge his inclinations, free as he was, by 
divine grace, from German errors, he could not have failed 
of leaving behind him, as the fruit of his long life of study, 
some of the most precious as well as abundant contributions 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 187 

to the theological learning of the Church. There is no dis- 
position to claim for him, or ascribe to him the attributes of 
uncommonly dazzling and inventive genius. Evidently, his 
place never could have been among the few suns, which 
hang so gloriously in the firmament of letters. Nor could it 
ever have been among the lesser satellites of the system. 
But it would have been among the Planets, which while 
they gather most do most give forth the light ; and which 
while they receive most warmth do also produce most 
fruit, for the sustenance of spiritual and intellectual life. 
His genius lay not in splendid invention, but in diligent ac- 
cumulation and rich acquisition; in luminous illustration, 
and in useful production. The few writings, which he has 
already given to the world, pure in style and sometimes 
beautiful in ornament, shew what he might have been and 
what he might have done in the walks of scholarship. Nor 
does the world yet know what he actually was, in this re- 
spect, notwithstanding the unusual hindrances which lay in 
the way of his studies. His best labors as a theologian, lay, 
after all, not in his Episcopal sermons and addresses, as he 
delivered them on his numerous official tours through his 
Diocese, but in the parish, where he so long and so modest- 
ly dispensed the fruits of his midnight studies, beyond the 
notice of this world's eye. 

That this last remark is not without foundation will be 
manifest from the following tribute from the pen of one, who 
lived long and intimately by the Bishop's side ; sitting under 
his weekly ministry ; studying with him for the work of an 
Evangelist ; knowing him amidst all the soul-trying, heart- 
revealing intimacies and incidents of private life ; and after- 
wards succeeding him as rector in his favorite parish of St. 
Michael's, Bristol. Mr. Bristed, himself an accomplished 
classic, an author before entering on the ministry, and very 
extensively acquainted with authorship, in giving an account, 
in an unpublished manuscript, of the trials which beset his 
entrance into the Church, thus bears his testimony not only 
to the kindness which he received from the Bishop, but also 
to the theological and general character of his friend. The 



188 MEMOIR OF THE 

judgment, which he here expresses, was indeed formed at a 
somewhat later period than that now under review in the 
life of the Bishop : but it applies as well to this period as to 
any other ; indeed equally well to all periods, in the life of 
him to whom the tribute is paid. 

" I cannot close this statement," he observes, " without 
bearing the little tribute of my unfeigned respect and undissem- 
bled affection for the truly apostolical and evangelical Bishop 
Griswold. To a very high order of human talent, he joins 
the profoundest and most comprehensive acquaintance with 
Scriptural Divinity. I have heard some of the greatest 
preachers on either side of the Atlantic, including the mighty 
Horsley, on the one, and the giant Mason on the other; 
but I never sate under a minister, from whom I received so 
much and so varied instruction in the word of God. I 
scarcely ever open the Bible, without being conscious of 
reading it by the reflected light of his clear intelligence. And 
above all, he crowns and consecrates his great talents and 
extensive learning with a most Catholic and Christian spirit, 
winch is forever breathing the words of wisdom from the 
lips of love. He has, in very deed, been a blessed instru- 
ment, in the hands of his Divine Master, of awakening his 
perishing fellow-sinners from their natural death-sleep in tres- 
passes and guilt; alike, in the place privileged to enjoy his 
fixed residence, and throughout his Diocese, wherever he 
has had an opportunity of scattering the bread of life. That 
great and awful day only, which shall reveal the secrets of 
every human heart, will be able to disclose how many souls 
lie has been permitted and empowered to turn unto righteous- 
ness. 

" In his daily and hourly walk and conversation, life and 
conduct, he examplifles the blessed doctrines, which he so 
ably, so faithfully, so lovingly proclaims in the service of the 
Sanctuary. In unaffected simplicity, meekness and holiness 
in thought, word and deed ; in the conscientious and fear- 
less discharge of the duties of his high and responsible office ; 
in the unmeasured benignity of his Christian charity and love 
for all who bear the impress and image of our common na- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 189 

ture, that nature, which is infinitely ennobled by being united 
with the godhead in the ever-blessed and adorable person of 
our once crucified but now ascended and glorified Redeemer ; 
he is second to no one of all those worthies, who, in the 
apostolic and primitive ages of Christianity, counted their 
lives nothing in comparison with preaching the doctrines of 
the Ci'oss, the doctrines of grace." 

This, doubtless, is high praise ; and may be considered 
as a burst from the warm heart of devoted friendship. Still, 
warm hearted friendship does not necessarily color too highly. 
If it ordinarily speak most strongly, it is, sometimes at least, 
because it knows most thoroughly whereof it affirms. Be- 
sides, the testimony of others, who have lived in favorable 
vicinity to the Bishop, as well as facts, which remain to be 
recorded, shew that, as an estimate of Christian character, 
and of apostolic self-sacrifice, as well as of learning and 
ability, the tribute, which has been quoted, is but an honest, 
though a glowing, expression of the truth. 

The best test of a man's character, if not of his intellectual 
power, is to be found in the fact that they who live in closest 
intimacy with him have most to say in his praise. It is not 
every one, who figures most largely and most loudly before 
the world, that can bear the application of such a test. The 
subject of this memoir could. If his biographer finds nothing 
to say in abatement of his claims to regard and veneration, it 
is because, from whatever point he has approached his sub- 
ject, whether from that of the Bishop's nativity and early 
youth, or from that of his various places of ministerial labor ; 
whether from the bosom of his family, or from the circle of 
his bosom friends ; whether from the Diary of his private 
thoughts, written without the expectation of their ever see- 
ing the light, or from the scrutiny of those, who might be 
supposed most inclined to make his failings manifest ; from 
whatever point the approach has been made, he has uni- 
formly found that the nearest approximation gave the most 
favorable view, both of the moral and of the intellectual 
man. A lady of great piety and intelligence, who was much 
in his family before the decease of his first wife, and there- 



190 MEMOIR OF THE 

fore thoroughly acquainted with him, upon being requested 
by the present writer to furnish him with her recollections or 
the Bishop, in speaking of his ministry and the estimate, in 
which he was commonly held in Bristol, says : ( < It was a 
remark then often made respecting him ; that there was one 
specimen of perfection in the world." And in closing her 
account, she writes thus: "I must take this opportunity to 
thank you, Sir, for the suggestion of this attempt at recollec- 
tions ; it has brought so vividly before me his exalted charac- 
ter. The nearer the inspection, the more angelic the like- 
ness." 

From this view of the Bishop himself and of the results of 
His parochial ministry, it is proper to go back for a moment, 
in order to notice some other things, connected principally 
with the progress of his new Diocese. 

The plan, which, at the adjourned Convention of Massa- 
chusetts in August, 1809, was suggested, of an Incorpora- 
tion under the name of " Trustees of Donations to the Protest- 
ant Episcopal Church," was soon after carried into effect. 
An act of Incorporation was passed at the next session of the 
Massachusetts Legislature, and was approved by the Gover- 
nor, March 3d, 1810. This act was somewhat enlarged at 
the following session of the Legislature, Feb. 14, 1811. 

The object of this Incorporation was, the raising and 
management of a fund for the support of the Bishop of the 
Eastern Diocese, and the care and management of such funds 
and property as might be entrusted to it for the special use, 
benefit and support of any of the Churches or institutions of 
tlie Church, within the Diocese. For these purposes it was 
clothed, says an address " To the friends of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church," which was forthwith issued, "with 
every power and privilege that any society of Christians in 
this, or any other country/could reasonably wish or desire." 

Into the history of several of the trusts, committed to this 
coq^oration, it will not be necessary to enter. The New 
Hampshire lands held by the Board are on a special trust as 
to a part of the income, leaving the residue subject to the 
disposal of the Board. One tenth of the income was to be 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 191 

applied to the support of the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese ; 
and was so applied, while that Diocese continued to exist. 
But when, at the demise of Bishop Griswold, the Diocese 
was dissolved, this tenth passed to the support of the future 
Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire. " The Bass Fund," 
so called from the first Bishop of our Church in Massachu- 
setts, is held in trust by the Board for the benefit of St. 
Paul's Church, Newburyport, and is to accumulate in their 
hands till its income reaches the annual amount of $1000; 
when it is to be used in payment of the salary of the Rector 
of that parish. There are some other trusts in the hands of 
the Board ; but the amount of property involved in them is 
very small. 

The most important fund held by the board is that, for the 
creation and management of which, mainly, their charter 
was granted ; the fund for the support of the Bishop of the 
Eastern Diocese. Subscriptions to this fund were opened 
immediately after the Convention in September, 1810, at 
which Mr. Griswold signified his acceptance of the Episco- 
pate. At that time, about $6,000 were subscribed in Bos- 
ton and its vicinity; that is; between $3,000 and $4,000 
by members of Trinity Church, $2,000 by members of Christ 
Church, and something by individuals in Cambridge. In 
1815, $5,000 more, from two unknown individuals, by the 
hands of the Rev. Asa Eaton, and Shubael Bell, Esq., of 
Boston, were added. Since that time, the fund has been 
slowly increasing, under its safe and judicious investment, 
till it now amounts to something more than the sum of 
$15,000 ; yielding towards the support of the Bishop about 
$900 per annum. 

The object of the enlargement of the act of Incorporation 
in 1811, was to enable the Trustees to increase the fund, by 
electing other Trustees, and obtaining other subscriptions, in 
all the four states composing the Diocese. Under the ex- 
pectation of realizing this object, an article was inserted in 
the By-laws of the Corporation, providing for the division 
of the fund in the event of the dissolution of the Eastern Dio- 



192 MEMOIR OF THE 

cese. By the occurrence of this event, that article has be- 
come important. It is as follows : 

" Whenever it shall happen that the Eastern Diocese shall 
be formed into two or more Dioceses, and a corporation shall 
be created and By-laws established, for purposes and with 
powers similar to those of this corporation, in either of the 
States of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, or Vermont, and 
the Churches in such States respectively being erected into 
a Diocese distinct from the Churches in Massachusetts, all 
the property given or devised to, or entrusted with this cor- 
poration by any inhabitant of such State, amounting to the 
sum or value of fifty dollars given or devised by one person, 
shall, at the request of the corporation so to be created, and 
with the consent of the donor or his legal representatives, be 
assigned, transferred, or paid over, to such corporation so, 
as aforesaid, to be created and established ; and this article 
shall not be subject to repeal or alteration but with the con- 
sent in writing of the members of this board belonging to 
such State for the time being." 

From this By-law, framed in the exercise of the power 
granted by the act of Incorporation, it will be seen that no 
part of this fund can be distributed among the Dioceses of 
Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont, until those 
Dioceses shall have procured the creation of corporations 
similar to that which exists in Massachusetts ; nor unless 
such future corporations shall request such distribution ; nor 
in sums under fifty dollars from a single individual ; nor 
without the consent of the donor of such sum, or of his legal 
representatives. It is not probable, therefore, that any dis- 
tribution of the fund will ever be made. For although the 
enlargement of the Charter was designed to give the Trus- 
tees an opportunity to increase the fund by obtaining sub- 
scriptions and donations to it from all the four States com- 
prising the Eastern Diocese, yet, it is believed, very slight 
success attended their efforts. Nearly the whole fund, as it 
now exists, was contributed frpm Boston and its immediate 
vicinity. Some contributions, were received from other 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 193 

parts of Massachusetts ; and some increase of the fund has 
been realized, it is believed, from its judicious investment 
and management. But, very little of it has ever been re- 
ceived from the other States of the Diocese, in any sums ; 
and probably less still, if any thing at all, in sums so large as 
fifty dollars from a single individual. It is concluded, there- 
fore, that the fund will remain undisturbed where it origina- 
ted, and where virtually the whole of it has been contributed. 
It evidently needs increase, and will, it is hoped, be aug- 
mented till its income shall be adequate to the decent and 
comfortable support of the Episcopate in the Diocese of 
Massachusetts. Beyond this point the Episcopalians of that 
State, if they are wise, will never wish to press its revenue. 

Upon the history of the Church lands in New Hampshire, 
Vermont, and Rhode Island, much might be said. But, al- 
though " the Trustees of Donations" have had no little to do 
with those lands in the first and last of those States, and even in 
Vermont, yet it would not add to either the interest or the value 
of this work to enter at large on the subject. It will be enough 
to say that, although the grants from the Colonial Governors of 
New Hampshire to our parishes, and to the Society in England 
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts, were ori- 
ginally ample and valuable, yet the titles to these grants 
were all lost during the war of the Revolution, with the ex- 
ception of those to the Society in England ; that even of 
these, few but the poorest were ever recovered, as the re- 
sult of a long and tedious process of litigation in the courts 
of the United States ; and that, in effecting the recovery of 
any portion of them, the agency of the Rev. Wm. Montague 
was from the first largely efficient and very important. 

In the discharge of his agency, this gentleman spent months 
and years of travel and expense ; and in this way, as well 
as in other measures touching the origin of the Eastern Dio- 
cese, was, so far as the external history of the Church was 
concerned, one of the most actively influential members of 
the Diocese. 

The first appearance of Bishop Griswold in any Con- 
vention after his consecration was in that of Massachusetts, 

R 



194 MEMOIR OF THE 

August 29th, 1811. This was an adjourned meeting. The 
regular meeting in May was so thinly attended in conse- 
quence of its being simultaneous with the General Conven- 
tion in New Haven and the consecration of Bishop Gris- 
wold, that no business was done. But at the adjourned 
session in August the attendance was full, and the new Bi- 
shop took his seat as the presiding officer. Inasmuch, how- 
ever, as he considered himself Bishop, — not of the Church 
in Massachusetts, nor of the Church in any other of the four 
States, separately, — but of the Eastern Diocese in its joint 
capacity, having been elected by that and consecrated for 
that alone ; — he delivered neither charge nor address on 
this first occasion of his appearance as a Bishop in Conven- 
tion. The same rule he ever afterwards followed. All his 
charges, pastoral letters, and Episcopal addresses were de- 
livered to the Conventions and the Clergy of the Eastern 
Diocese as one whole. 

The first Convention of this Diocese, which was held after 
his consecration, its meetings now being only biennial, as- 
sembled at Providence, September 30th, 1812. At this 
Convention the Bishop's letter of consecration was ordered 
to be read and recorded ; after which he proceeded to the 
delivery of the following brief address : 

" Respected Brethren, the Clerical and Lay Delegates of 
this Convention, 

" I now for the first time meet you since my appointment 
to the Episcopal jurisdiction in this Diocese ; and the 45th 
Canon of the General Convention makes it my duty on this 
occasion to lay before you the situation of our churches and 
the official duties, which I have performed. "With very few 
exceptions I have visited the Churches of this Diocese once, 
and some of them a second time : and the present appear- 
ance is, that most of them are increasing in numbers, piety 
and attention to the doctrines and discipline of the Church. 
I have administered the holy rite of confirmation to 1,212 
persons, and have very generally and with much satisfaction 
witnessed the appearance of great sincerity and devotion in 
those who received it." 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 195 

The address then proceeds to record the consecration of 
two churches ; the admission of five candidates for orders ; 
the ordination of one deacon, and that of two presbyters ;< — 
the disposition made of the services of some of the new 
clergy ; — and the institution of two rectors into the cure of 
parishes. After this, it thus concludes : 

" To this ' statement, Brethren, I have only to add my 
prayers that the Lord will inspire us with wisdom, unity and 
zeal, and that He will direct our counsels and prosper our 
labors to the advancement of his glory and the prosperity of 
his people. 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

I have given this address for two reasons ; 1, because it 
is short ; and 2, because it seems to me a remarkable proof 
of the remarkable modesty of its author. He evidently 
started on his course of duty with the feeling that it did not 
become him, while young in office, to put himself forth in 
any labored production ; with the determination not to as- 
sume the exercise of an influence, which he had not yet 
acquired ; and on the principle of letting his actions, rather 
than his words, define his ecclesiastical position, and inter- 
pret his religious views. One can hardly read such an ad- 
dress, delivered on such an occasion, without feeling that it 
was peculiarly characteristic of the man, who, -on a different 
occasion, remarked ;-— " Words cost but little ; and are of- 
ten worth no more than they cost." 

At this Convention the project of a Diocesan Library was 
started ; but it never amounted to any thing more than a 
project. A movement of more importance originated at the 
same time, and was followed by a measure at least of its in- 
tended results. I allude to what were called, u Easter col- 
lections," — contributions to a Missionary fund to be placed 
in the hands of the " Trustees of Donations" subject to 
the order of the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, and chiefly 
for the benefit of the feeble parishes under his care. These 
collections originated in the following vote by the Conven- 
tion, and in the resulting circular of the Bishop. 



196 MEMOIR OF THE 

" Voted ; that the Bishop be requested to appoint a Sun- 
day, annually, on which a contribution shall be made at each 
Church Avithin the Diocese, and transmitted by the Rector 
and Wardens thereof to the Treasurer of i The Trustees of 
Donations to the Protestant Episcopal Church,' to be appro- 
priated under the direction of the Bishop to the supplying 
of vacant parishes with preaching, and to the distributing of 
cheap tracts explanatory of the doctrines and discipline of 
the Episcopal Church." 

The following is the circular, which, in obedience to this 
vote, the Bishop forthwith addressed to his Clergy. 

" Whereas the Biennial Convention of the Eastern Dio- 
cese, holden at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, on 

the 30th day of September, a. d., 1812, < Voted,' &c. 

' In compliance with the above resolution and request, I do 
hereby appoint Easter-day to be the Sunday, on which said 
annual contributions shall be made ; most cordially recom- 
mending to the friends of religion, and especially to all who 
desire the prosperity of the Protestant Episcopal Church, an 
object so laudable and benevolent. Whilst, (so much to 
the honor of the Christian name) a liberal spirit of piety and 
zeal for distributing the Holy Scriptures and for diffusing the 
light of the Gospel to the remotest nations of the earth, per- 
vades the Christian world ; it may reasonably be expected 
that the state and the exigences of the Church in this Dio- 
cese will not, by its friends, be forgotten or neglected ; — 
that they especially who, through God's merciful goodness, 
enjoy the inestimable privileges of a preached Gospel, and 
the means of religious knowledge, will not be unmindful of 
those, who are destitute of these blessings ; and that each 
individual will cheerfully contribute something to a little 
fund for their assistance. In all human appearance, no 
charitable donations could more directly or more surely pro- 
mote the glory of God and the increase of His Church than 
the contributions hereby solicited. By a little aid from their 
Christian brethren, many small parishes, now wholly desti- 
tute of the sacred ordinances of Christianity, would, through 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 197 

the Divine blessing, be materially benefited, and, there is 
good reason to hope, enabled soon to obtain a permanent 
ministry among them. Deeply impressed with the import- 
ance of this subject, the Convention were induced to make 
this appeal to the pious liberality of all the friends of the 
Church, and not without confidence that the Lord will open 
their hearts to give according as he hath blessed them with 
the means : c for, with such sacrifices God is well pleased.' " 

" The Easter collections," thus started, were regularly 
continued till the dissolution of the Diocese. The tract 
distribution, which they at first contemplated, was, indeed, 
dropped after a time ; but the collections themselves con- 
tinued as a Missionary fund in the hands of the Bishop, and 
were of essential service in reviving the languid and almost 
extinct parishes, which existed in various parts of the Dio- 
cese ; and in aiding the struggles of others through a feeble 
infancy towards a vigorous maturity. 

These collections and the " Board of Trustees of Dona- 
tions," — together with the Standing Committee successively 
elected, and the Diocesan Conventions, at first Biennial, and 
afterwards annual, made up the Body of the Institutions of 
the Eastern Diocese. It was, at the outset, so far as these 
its institutions were concerned, a simple organization ; and 
so continued to the period of its dissolution. That it never 
had more numerous and more efficient instrumentalities in 
the great work of Christian benevolence at home and abroad, 
was owing to its complex structure in other respects. The 
churches in the respective States, though united into one 
Diocese, yet continued to meet in their separate Conven- 
tions, as well as in those of the whole Diocese. Through 
those separate Conventions they were represented in the 
General Councils of the Church ; and the effect of these 
peculiarities was to beget a kind of ecclesiastico-" State 
Rights" feeling, drawing almost all the proper efficient ac- 
tion of the Church from the Diocesan to the State Institu- 
tions. This was unavoidable, and all well enough. Con- 
sidering circumstances, it could not, and should not, have 
been otherwise. Still, it is easy to perceive that, with such 



198 MEMOIR OF THE 

an organization, it was impossible for the Eastern Diocese 
and its Bishop to take that stand among the other Dioceses 
and general institutions of the Church, which would other- 
wise have been both desirable and practicable. In fact, the 
peculiar structure of the body kept both the whole and its 
parts from that measure of activity, efficiency and growth, 
which, under other circumstances, would have been easy 
and natural. The influence of this structure was doubtless 
less felt at first, than it was at a later period. At first there 
was so little strength in any of the parts that they were glad 
to increase it by combination. But most of the parts soon 
began to gather separate strength ; and, as they did so, tend- 
ed more and more to separate action. Then it was that the 
existence of the central Diocese, with its Bishop specially 
attached to it, proved a manifest restraint on the capabilities 
and freedom of action, which would have been appropriate 
to the States, had they existed as independent Dioceses ; 
while the capabilities and freedom, which they actually as- 
sumed and exercised proved as manifest a drain of strength 
and vitality from the Diocese of which they were associated 
parts. 

The feeling has often been expressed by his Clergy, that 
the characteristic modesty of Bishop Griswold, and his ap- 
parent reluctance to put forth his influence in forwarding 
great leading measures of policy in his Diocese, detracted 
much from his true usefulness. But, the longer I reflect on 
this subject the more strongly am I persuaded of the injus- 
tice, which such a feeling did him. The truth is, (to take a 
somewhat different view of this subject from that which was 
taken, a few pages back,) it was his modesty and his appa- 
rent reluctance to act in many matters, that kept the centri- 
fugal parts of his Diocese together, till, at his demise, they were 
all ready, in strength and experience, to stand up at once, 
four well-braced, and well-organized Dioceses, with their 
well-furnished and efficient Bishops, instead of one. What 
appeared to be reluctance to put forth his influence was, in 
fact, less that, than a wise caution under the circumstances, 
in which he found himself placed. He felt his own position 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 199 

better than the Clergy of the separate States could feel it for 
him. While they were thinking of their separate State in- 
terests, longing for their more rapid advancement, and, per- 
haps, pondering the question how soon they might be called 
to elect, from among themselves, their own independent Bi- 
shop, — he was feeling the difficulty of presiding in harmony 
over such separately tending elements, and the almost im- 
possibility of either originating, or infusing life into, any 
general measures for their increased prosperity, or even into 
any State measures for that end, consistently with the rela- 
tion, which he bore to the whole body. In such a state of 
things it had been easy for him to put that whole body into 
intense action ; but it would have been the action of con- 
vulsions, not that of health. On the whole, when it is re- 
membered, that, after the Eastern Diocese began to meet 
annually, Bishop Griswold had five Conventions to attend, 
where other Bishops have but one, and for the greater part 
of the time a parish to care for besides ; that he had to com- 
bine and guide the movements of a complex whole, while 
the Clergy and the measures of the separate parts were often 
tending away from general and gathering themselves around 
particular, and sometimes conflicting interests ; and that, into 
which part soever of his Diocese he went, he felt the pre- 
sence of a something, that was instinctively, without special 
design, working itself up into a sort of rival influence with 
his own ; it will be seen that his position was full of pecu- 
liar difficulties, and called for the constant exercise not only 
of all that wonderful industry, but also of all that uncommon 
meekness, prudence and wisdom for which he was so re- 
markable. And when, moreover, it is considered, that, as 
& parish minister, few among us have ever been more largely 
successful, more richly blessed, than he ; and that, as a Bi- 
shop, he began, in 1811, to watch over a few scattered pa- 
rishes, feeble and " ready to die," and yet left them, in 
1843, multiplied to an hundred, distributed into five fully 
organized Dioceses, and ready to support four active Bishops, 
it may well be doubted whether the evidence of his useful- 
ness could have been more full and complete. 



200 MEMOIR OF THE 

Bat to return from this general survey, into which I have 
been led, to the measures of the first Diocesan Convention, 
over which he presided : 

It appears from the Journal of the Eastern Diocese for 
1812, that, notwithstanding the judicious address, which, as 
chairman of the Committee of the Rhode Island Convention 
in 1809, he wrote to the Narraganset Church ; and the fact 
that this address so far succeeded in the begun work of paci- 
fication, as to induce that Church to consent to the session 
in their parish of the Special Convention of Rhode Island, 
called to consider the proposal for an Eastern Diocese ; their 
alienation from the body of the Churches was not then whol- 
ly overcome. Indeed, from some cause, it was subsequently 
and seriously increased ; so much so as to threaten the entire 
severance of that ancient parish from our communion. Its 
case was referred to a Committee of this Convention in 1812, 
whose report, as follows, will give us all the information on 
the subject, which it is desirable at this time to possess. 

u The Committee, appointed to take into consideration 
the state of St. Paul's Church, Narraganset, submitted the 
following report, which was unanimously accepted : 

u The Committee, to whom were referred certain papers, 
produced by Capt. Rodman Gardiner, beg leave to report : 

" That a certain party in Wickford, denominating them- 
selves members of St. Paul's Church, Narraganset country, 
having announced in a public newspaper, the Newport 
Mercury, of April 11, 1812, that they have withdrawn them- 
selves from the Eastern Diocese, and have renounced the 
Episcopal authority, have thereby exposed themselves to the 
censure of the Bishop, and deprived themselves of the privi- 
leges of the Episcopal Church ; but that, at present, it is in- 
expedient for the Convention to take any order on this sub- 
ject ; it being the opinion of your Committee that it may be 
adjusted by the Bishop in a Convention of the State of Rhode 
Island more to the satisfaction of the aggrieved members of 
said Church than by this Convention. 

N. B. Crocker, Chairman." 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 201 

It is sufficient to add that the course recommended proved 
effectual ; and that the old Narraganset Church soon became 
a part of the consolidated body of the Diocese ; leaving, 
thus not a single dissentient from the general harmony, which 
reigned over the whole. 

During the year 1812, Bishop Jarvis of Connecticut, 
amidst the increasing infirmities of age, was drawing near 
the close of life ; and the project of electing a co-adjutor 
Bishop was, to some extent, agitated among his clergy. 
But it is not probably known to many, that Bishop Griswold 
was once sounded on the question, whether he would be 
willing to come and reside in Connecticut, as that co-adjutor 
with a parish, while at the same time he retained jurisdic- 
tion and discharged Episcopal offices in the Eastern Diocese. 
Yet such was the fact, as the following extract from a letter 
written by one of the clergy of Connecticut will shew. 

" , 15 Feb., 1812. 

a Rt. Rev Sir *********** 

* * * * A few words relative to the Church. * * * 
The Bishop of the Diocese has notified the clergy * * * 
that a convocation will be holden in New Haven on the 19th 
inst. * * * I have not heard what is the principal object of 
calling us together at this time. Perhaps it may be to in- 
quire what is best to be done further in regard to the Acade- 
my petition, or to the selection of a candidate for co-adjutor 
Bishop. The latter has of late been spoken of among the 
clergy. As yet, however, we cannot fix upon any person, 
in whom we can agree. I would take the liberty to suggest 
one thing to you, (no other person shall know it) and to 
solicit your answer. It is this : whether you are of opinion 
that one Bishop, in the prime of life, of good health, and 
living in this State, could faithfully discharge the duties of 
this and of the Eastern Diocese, having at the same time the 
charge of a parish ? It is my opinion that it could be done, 
by the clergy taking turns in supplying his parish during his 
absence. I beg your answer, upon the assurance that it shall 



202 MEMOIR OF THE 

rest with me. I am persuaded that, if you were the Bishop 
of this Diocese, and resided here, it would, with the bless- 
ing of heaven, flourish beyond all present calculation." 

Of course, the suggestion made in this extract could not, 
for a moment, be entertained. The extract itself, however,. 
is interesting, inasmuch as it shews the estimate, in which 
the Bishop was held in his native State, and the probability 
that, had be continued there, he would have been called to 
that Diocese, instead of the Eastern. In this latter his lot 
was now cast, and to it he considered his whole life and his 
best powers devoted. 

To the depressed and discouraging state of this Diocese 
at the period when he received jurisdiction over it, allusion 
has already been made. About the time of which I am now 
speaking, the winter of 1812, he received many letters, 
which must have made him feel most sensibly the difficul- 
ties, w T ith which he had to struggle. St. Paul's Church, 
Portland, was considered to be at its last gasp ; and it re- 
quired great faith in him to maintain, both among its few 
members and in his own mind, the assurance that it might 
yet be saved alive. St. Michael's, Marblehead, had sur- 
vived the convulsions of the past in a very feeble state, and 
was struggling as for its life. The Church in Taunton had 
its very name trodden out by the iron hoof of revolutionary 
war, and was just beginning to cry, from the dust of its small 
remaining endowment, for a hand to raise it up and give it new 
existence. And the old parish at Bridgewater lay still un- 
moved amidst its ashes without a sign of vitality. While, 
of some others all traces had perished, and no thought of 
their revival was started. There was, also, a very dis- 
couraging want of clergy, and a still lingering, irremovable 
prejudice against lay-reading. A Congregational minister, 
who had conformed to the Church, and was a candidate for 
orders, was advised, not by the Bishop, but by one of his 
clergy, to continue preaching his own sermons before his ordi- 
nation. A very young candidate, of high promise, who had 
been licensed as a lay-reader, and had been allowed by the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 203 

Bishop to " adapt" printed sermons to the exigences of his place 
of labor, ventured to extend the license to the preaching of his 
own sermons, in the face of the 19th Canon of 1808, which 
made such an act " a disqualification for orders ;" and so eager 
were the hungry people for ministerial services, that he even 
proceeded to ask for ordination before he had reached the 
age of twenty-one years, as required by Canon. The Rev. 
Mr. Fisher, Rector of St. Peter's, Salem, having been taken 
away by sudden death, the Congregational clergy of the town, 
who had acted as pall-bearers at his funeral, kindly offered 
their services to supply his pulpit by preaching there in rota- 
tion ; and so impossible was it to procure even a temporary 
Episcopal supply, that their offer was accepted. Two of 
our own clergy m Vermont became subjects of ecclesiastical 
discipline for immoral conduct. And, to finish the picture 
of difficulty and discouragement, the enemies of the Church 
in New Hampshire were evidently at work in secret at what 
they doubtless considered a commendable effort at its over- 
throw. Under such circumstances, the following letter 
could not have sounded a very pleasant note in the Bishop's 
ear. 



Sep , 1812. 



" Rt. Rev. Sir, — My love and zeal for the Church, espe- 
cially for that branch of it £ over which the Holy Ghost has 
made you overseer,' will ever prompt me with caution and 
due reverence to give the earliest notice of every threatening 
appearance, both in the Church and out of it. For this pur- 
pose are we placed around the sacred enclosure, to be al- 
ways ready to defend it from the assaults of open and avowed 
enemies, and from the artful machinations of secret and insi- 
dious foes ; that so, c the wrath' of God, through our neglect, 
come not 'upon the congregation.' 

" Last evening was handed me, by a particular friend of 

yours, (the Rev. M. ,) a letter singular and strange both 

for its matter and for its style. As I send it enclosed, it will 
be needless to make any remarks on it, further than to ob- 



204 MEMOIR OF THE 

serve, that Mr. and myself feel truly alarmed lest < fire 

have gone out of the Bramble, which may devour the Cedars 
of Lebanon.' 

Your affectionate and very humble servant, 



The difficulty of obtaining clergy at this early period in 
the history of the Diocese, not only led young candidates 
for orders to preach their own sermons, (contrary to the wish 
of the Bishop, doubtless,) but also induced a proposition to 
license lay-readers, who were not candidates. This proposi- 
tion, however, urgent as were the necessities of the case, the 
Bishop evidently resisted, as appears from the following ex- 
tract from a letter, written by the Rev. Mr. , of New 

Hampshire. 

" July , 1812. 



" Rt. Rev. Sir, — Your very friendly letter of June 16th, is 
just come to hand ; and I thank you for the timely communi- 
cation ************** 

* * What ideas brother C. has of a license for a lay- 
reader, I do not comprehend. It is something to me entirely 
new, and in my opinion would seem to add a new order in 
the Church. It is a thing unprecedented either in ancient 
or in modern times ; and if once introduced might lead on to 
evils, of which we are hardly aware. The Bishop's observa- 
tions on the subject are perfectly correct. Esq. C. is a 

good reader and a worthy character ; but experience teaches 
that reading only has a tendency rather to weaken than to 
keep together. c Itching ears' and a fondness for novelty 
are to be found in the Church as well as out of it. The 
recommendation, which you mentioned from the Standing 
Committee, I conclude, can have reference to none but can- 
didates for holy orders." 

But, though the Bishop evidently concurred with the 
writer of this letter in the matter of licensing lay-readers, not 
candidates for orders, yet it is not probable that he assented 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 205 

to a proposition, which the writer himself makes in the same 
letter. " On Saturday," he writes, " after the Convention, 
I shall wish to have this Church consecrated, and also the 
Church-yard , or burying ground." The Bishop, who was 
so strongly disposed to reject the term, " consecration," 
from the act, by which he was invested with the Episcopal 
office, was not likely either to borrow, or to construct a ser- 
vice for the special purpose of " consecrating" a Church-yard 
in his Diocese. 

How the difficulty of obtaining clergy for his parishes 
affected the Bishop himself, as well as the qualities, which 
he sought in his clergy, both religious and literary, may be 
seen in the following extract from a letter, which he wrote 
this year to the Rev. Mr. Bronson of Vermont. It is a live- 
ly transcript of the Bishop's own practical views of what a 
minister of Christ should always and every where be. 

"Bristol, April 10th, 1812. 
" Rev. and dear Sir, ********** 
******* The account, which you give 
of your success in the ministry is very pleasing. I see 
that 6 the fields are white unto the harvest.' If it shall 
please ' the Lord of the harvest to send into it such laborers 
as we need, and as we ought daily to pray for and to seek, 
we may yet see the Church in this Diocese in a more flourish- 
ing state. ***** \\r e 0U ght to exert ourselves 
more in selecting and training young men for the ministry. 
We shall not find, at present, a sufficient number from our 
Colleges. And it is, unhappily, the fact that too many of 
those, who condescend to take holy orders, expect to live in 
ease and affluence ; to find Churches already organized with 
good livings. We have none such to bestow on any. We 
need laborers, possessed of apostolic zeal, who are willing 
to plant before they reap ; who are willing to go into the 
spiritual wilderness and cultivate for themselves ; who, duly 
impressed with the importance and duties of the sacred min- 
istry, are content to i spend and be spent' for God's glory 
and the salvation of men ; and who, of course, l seek first 

s 



206 MEMOIR OF THE 

the kingdom of God and His righteousness,' trusting that 
He will add whatever is necessary for the comfort of this 
life. One such is worth twenty drones in the sacred minis- 
try. Such, indeed, are most likely to succeed in obtaining 
a comfortable living ; for they have the promise of Christ 
himself to rely upon. If you find any, who are likely to be 
of this description, they ought to be encouraged to turn their 
attention to the ministry, and assisted in attaining the neces- 
sary qualifications. These last are not to be neglected. It is 
important that our clerical body be made respectable for 
learning and talents, as well as useful in piety and zeal. 

u But I have no reason to think you inattentive to these 
things ; and I write them unto you but to l stir up your pure 
mind by way of remembrance.' That the Lord will merci- 
fully preserve your life, inspire you with wisdom and bless 
your labors to His own glory and to your present and eternal 
good, is the fervent and humble prayer of, &c." 

The above sentiments were not recorded by a man, who 
preached one thing, and practised another. He did not say 
to the laborers amidst the real toils and sacrifices of the min- 
istry ; "go work in the Lord's vineyard;" but, placing him- 
self in their fore-front, and shewing them the manner of their 
day-labor, he said, " come, follow me, and let us bear to- 
gether the burden and heat of the day." 

Having thus looked at those public events in the life of 
Bishop Griswold, which, after the period of his consecration, 
occurred earliest, both in his parish and in his Diocese, and 
having seen the latter fully organized and fairly on its way ; 
it may be well to note here a few things, not less public in- 
deed, but less ecclesiastical. 

It will be remembered that at the time of his consecration, 
he had never been admitted to the degree of Doctor of Di- 
vinity. For that degree, however, though he sought it not, 
yet he did not long wait. It came in the following letter 
from the President of Princeton College. 

" Princeton, Oct. 9, 1811. 

u Rev. Sir, — I have the pleasure to announce to you that 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 207 

the corporation of the College of New Jersey, at the late 
commencement, unanimously agreed to confer on you the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity. I am happy to believe that 
this well earned distinction will receive as much honor from 
the wearer as it can confer. 

I am, Rev. Sir, with the greatest respect, 

Your most obedient, and most humble servant, 

Samuel S. Smith." 

From Brown University, Rhode Island, where his merits 
as a scholar became gradually known, he soon began to re- 
ceive literary honors, and to enter into those relations with 
the institution, which he continued so long and so satisfac- 
torily to fill. While on this subject, it may be as well to 
dispose of it entirely ; although some notices connected with 
it will run forward to a period in his life much beyond that, 
which we are now considering. 

In the year 1810, he was admitted to the honorary degree 
of Master of Arts, and, in 1811, to that of Doctor of Divinity, 
in Brown University. On the 2d of September, 1812, he was 
elevated to one of the highest seats in the corporation of that 
Institution by being elected a " Fellow in the University," 
In 1815, he was made " Chancellor of the University," and 
held the office till his removal to Salem, in 1828-9. And in 
1832, he was elected a member of the Rhode Island Alpha 
of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, in connexion with the same 
Institution. 

In communicating to me all these facts and dates except 
the last, Professor Gammell observes ; " I may add, for the 
explanation of the above, that the corporation of the College 
is made up of two bodies. The Board of Fellows is the 
higher and more honorable ; the Board of Trustees has charge 
of the Finances. The office of Chancellor is that of presiding 
in all meetings of the lower body. In order to accept his 
appointment to this office, Bishop Griswold, it appears, re- 
signed his seat as a Fellow in 1815. During the period of 
his connexion with the College — he performed the duties of 
his office with great faithfulness, and always manifested a 



208 MEMOIR OF THE 

generous interest in the prosperity of the Institution. Though 
his connexion with the College ceased before my appoint- 
ment as one of its officers, yet I well remember how much 
his venerable appearance used to add to the dignity and 
interest of the academic pageant of commencement days." 

Which of his two degrees of Doctor of Divinity bears the 
earlier date, I am unable to ascertain ; probably that of Brown 
University, though by a few days only. 

The year 1812 opened our second war with England. 
With the bitterness of party spirit, which preceded and fol- 
lowed that opening, many of us are well acquainted. I find 
among the papers of Bishop Griswold a document, which 
shews how bitter that spirit must have been in Bristol, and how 
severely it must have tried the Bishop's principle of always 
leaving politics and the management of State affairs to lay- 
men. Although the Bishop was an American in all the best 
feelings involved in a love of country, yet, it is not likely that 
he felt any sympathy with that unmeasured hostility to the 
British, which this document betrays. On this account, 
however, the testimony which the document bears to his 
Christian character is the more valuable. The document 
is superscribed; " Charles Collins's Resolution, taken August 
26th, 1812 ; read and adopted in presence of George Munroe 
2d., Town Clerk." It is as follows: 

« Bristol, August 26th, 1812. 

" Having for eight years past constantly attended on re- 
ligious worship on the Sabbath, and having during that time 
been forward in encouraging the progress of the Gospel by 
divers donations to religious Societies, (for all which things 
I am heartily glad,) but having ascertained by the issue and 
result of the election held in this town yesterday that hypo- 
crisy has become so far intermixed with true religion that it 
is exceeding difficult for a man of an honest and unsuspect- 
ing disposition to discern and know who is a saint and who 
is an hypocrite ; and further, having read and known enough 
of the history of Great Britain and its rulers to be convinced 
that the said nation is the most hypocritical one that is, or 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 209 

ever was, suffered to exist; and having ascertained that 
many of my worthy neighbors, whose opinions I much value 
on all subjects but that of religion, are, or affect to be, of 
opinion that Great Britain is the most righteous nation on 
earth, and some people would almost affect to believe that 
the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be effectually com- 
municated to the praying sinners of this (as they call it) re- 
bellious and sinful land, but through the medium of Great 
Britain ; I say ; in consequence of the foregoing premises, I 
have taken a firm resolution to discontinue the practices 
aforesaid, and endeavor to be enlightened into the mysteries 
of the true religion, by reading the Bible and such other books 
as shall appear to be best calculated to answer the purpose : 
this resolution to continue in force until my beloved country 
shall have settled a peace with Great Britain : provided, how- 
ever, that it shall be void in case my excellent friend, the 
Bishop, (whom I believe to be the best man this side heaven) 
shall convince me that this is a rash and improper resolution. 

Charles Collins." 

The fact that this document is found among the Bishop's 
papers shews that the question, involved in its closing pro- 
viso, was doubtless submitted to his decision. But had he 
been a man of known political preferences and activities, it 
is not probable, either that Mr. Collins would have made 
him umpire in such a case, or that he would have ranked his 
" excellent friend" quite so high as he then did on the scale 
of perfection. How many minds, susceptible of safe guid- 
ance towards heaven, have broken utterly away from clerical 
influence, simply by being made to feel that their minister's 
political creed was at war with their own ! 

In what has thus far been said, it has been the design of 
the writer to exhibit, in connexion with such incidents as he 
could collect, the early mind and the ripening character of 
Bishop Griswold, together with the origin, structure and 
early condition of the Diocese, which began with his elec- 
tion, continued with his life, and ended in his death ; in other 

s* 



210 MEMOIR OF THE 

words, to trace the formation of his character, and to exhibit 
the peculiarity of his position. In doing this, some of the 
incidents, which have been presented, were, in themselves, 
of slight importance. Nevertheless, it is believed that they 
all had important connexions, and have all contributed some- 
thing of meaning to the work in the various stages of its pro- 
gress. With the Bishop himself, the Diocese over which 
he presided, his character and his position, fairly before 
our minds and well understood, we are prepared for the 
remainder of his course ; a remainder, full of anxieties and 
cares, labors and sorrows, but exhibiting, it is believed, 
nothing inconsistent with what has gone before ; shewing 
enough of progress, development and ripening, but reveal- 
ing nothing of change, fluctuation, or decay, 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 211 



BRIEF NOTICES OF THE EASTERN DIOCESE, AND OF INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF ITS 
BISHOP, AS CONNECTED THEREWITH. 

FIRST CALL TO SALEM. 

From the time of Bishop Griswold's consecration, the re- 
moteness of his place of residence from Boston, the chief 
ecclesiastical centre of his diocese, the place whence the 
principal routes of travel diverge, and from which therefore 
he could with the greatest ease, and at the least expense, 
visit the various parishes under his supervision ; the place, 
too, where the main strength of the Diocese lay, and at 
which he might most readily gather round himself all need- 
ful influences of counsel and co-operation in his labors ; was 
seen to be a serious inconvenience, and the wish was gene- 
rally felt and often expressed, that he might have a parish, if 
not in Boston itself, at least in its immediate vicinity. At 
the opening of the year 1813, an opportunity for the gratify- 
ing of this wish was offered in a unanimous call to the Rec- 
torship of St. Peter's Church, Salem. The proprietors of 
this parish met on the 13th of February, at the office of Mr. 
Joshua Cushing ; and, after organizing the meeting, unani- 
mously elected Bishop Griswold, as " their select and estab- 
lished Pastor." He doubtless felt that there were some 
strong reasons why he should accept the call. He visited 
the parish ; was waited on by a committee of the proprietors ; 
and, though no decision was then made, yet hopes were 
evidently excited that he would accept the call which he had 
received. Some months, however, passed in uncertainty, 
when the parish were induced to repeat and press their in- 
vitation, through a most respectable Committee, of which 
Mr. Joseph Story, (now Judge Story of the United States 
Court) was chairman. The letter of this Committee, in 
Judge Story's hand, is as follows : 



212 MEMOIR, &C. 

"Salem, June 11th, 1813. 

"Rt. Rev. Sir, — We have the honor to renew in behalf 
of the proprietors of St. Peter's Church, the request, 
which was some time since made to you, to become the es- 
tablished Pastor over that Church. At present we are able 
to offer you a salary of $700 per annum, and we shall most 
cheerfully defray all the expenses incident to the removal of 
yourself and family. We trust and hope, if you should 
settle among us, that the increase of the Church under your 
countenance and patronage will enable us hereafter to add to 
the salary ; and the general zeal and increase of parishioners, 
already exhibited, augurs very favorably to the support of the 
Episcopalian worship. 

" At present the zeal of our friends is great ; but unless 
we should establish a permanent pastor, we cannot entertain 
very sanguine expectations of preserving its spirit. But, on 
the other hand, we have as little doubt that your presence 
would give a steady advancement to our interests, and that 
very many, who approve of our worship, would gather 
round our standard. 

" We hope" therefore that we shall not be deemed impro- 
perly earnest by pressing your immediate acceptance of pur 
offer, and assuring you that, as it is made in a spirit of per- 
fect sincerity and harmony, so your acceptance will confer 
the highest obligations upon us. 

We have the honor to be, with the highest respect, 
Rt. Rev. Sir, 
By the order and command of St. Peter's Church, 
Your very obedient servants, 

Joseph Story , 
Ezekiel Savage, 
W. Shepard Gray, 
Thomas Thomas." 

The Rt. Rev. 

Bishop Griswold. 

Subsequently to this, the Committee, in two further com- 
munications, most earnestly urged his acceptance of the call ; 



FIRST CALL TO SALEM. 213 

and during the correspondence, the Rev. Mr. Burroughs of 
St. John's Church, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, warmly 
seconded their solicitations. 

"It may be improper for me" — says Mr. B., in a letter 
dated, April 22d, 1813, "to make any inquiry as to your 
decision respecting your invitation to Salem. But it cannot 
be improper for me to express my most ardent wish that cir- 
cumstances might be so favorable as to induce you to ac- 
cept the invitation. Your situation would then be so cen- 
tral, that you might visit with the greatest ease the largest 
number of your most important parishes ; I confess too I feel 
a little selfish, as I wish you to be nearer to my own 
Church." 

But, notwithstanding the urgency of the call and the rea- 
sons, independent of it, for his removal, the Bishop found it 
so difficult, if not impossible, to leave Bristol, that he finally 
sent the Committee in Salem a negative answer. 

The feeling of discouragement and despondency, which 
seized upon them, is manifest in the coldly respectful letter 
which the Wardens sent him in reply. They express con- 
fidence in him, submission to his decision, and a disposition 
still to look to him as their Bishop for guidance and aid ; 
but at the same time complain bitterly of loneliness and de- 
sertion, and especially of a want of faithfulness to his word 
in a young candidate, who had been sent to officiate for 
them as lay-reader after the Rev. Mr. Fisher's decease : — 
and they even intimate an apprehension that the consequence 
of their disappointments may be the loss of that parish to 
the Episcopal Church. I give a portion of their letter as 
illustrating, perhaps, more strongly than any thing, which 
has yet been said, the condition of the Diocese at that time 
in its want of clergy and in its thorough repugnance to 
lay-readers as a substitute. After laying their situation and 
discouragements before the Bishop, particularly the conduct 
of the candidate referred to, they proceed : — " With these 
vexatious disappointments, and the yet greater one of your 
not coming when expectation had been so highly raised, we 
are fearful that the consequences may be, the entire disper- 



214 MEMOIR, &C. 

6ion of the parish, or its secession from the Diocese ; (this 
latter would not be without reason ; for if those, who belong 
to our own communion, and who are candidates for the minis- 
try, forfeit their word, and treat us rudely, what inducement 
have we to adhere to a staff that yields us no support 9) To 
you, therefore, we must look for a shepherd to a flock, which 
is so extremely discouraged by such repeated disappoint- 
ments, and which is weary of hearing cold and uninteresting 
readers, who cannot administer the necessary rites of the 
Church, nor exchange with those, who can," &c. So feeble 
was the tie, which still bound some of the parishes of the 
Diocese to the rest ! 

It ought, however, to be borne in mind, in accounting 
for a portion of the weakness and proneness to despondency 
of this and of some others of our Eastern parishes, that at 
this time the War of 1812-15 was raging, and that many of 
the towns on the seaboard, particularly Salem and Marble- 
head, being extensively dependent on foreign commerce and 
on the fishing trade, suffered most severely in all their tem- 
poral interests, and were, even morally and religiously, de- 
pressed by that feeling of loneliness and desertion, the 
visible signs of which appeared in the stillness and deso- 
lateness of their almost depopulated streets. 

Nor were the parishes on the sea-board the only ones, in 
which the hostile influence of the war on morals and religion 
was felt. It was felt in all the parishes, great and small, in 
the turning of men's thoughts from the Church to politics, 
and from religious to party zeal. Over weak parishes in 
the interior and those just beginning to rise, its power was 
peculiarly disastrous. One of the the Clergy in Vermont in 
writing to the Bishop, March 15th, 1813, gives the follow- 
ing picture of things in his immediate neighborhood. A 
fatal epidemic had been sweeping through the State on its 
wings of death ; and yet he says : — " Although the judg- 
ments of God are in the earth that the inhabitants of the 
world may learn righteousness, yet we all remain more than 
commonly stupid. The Church, this winter, appears very 
forlorn. At Middlebury, you had an opportunity of learning 



EVILS OF WAR AND POLITICS. 215 

its state last summer. Though it was then truly discourag- 
ing, yet it is now much worse. They are both fewer in 
number and less engaged. The War, in which our country 
is involved, or the rage of politics, or the influence of Sa- 
tan's kingdom, or something else, has palsied every nerve 
of religion. I hear nothing of building a Church either in 
Middlebury or in Vergennes. Nor do I find any one of any 
intelligence, who appears to entertain a rational hope of ever 
seeing the Church established in either place." 

During this year, too, the Bishop began to receive letters 
from the parish in Great Barrington on the subject of those 
difficulties, which laid on him one of the sorest trials of his 
life ; in that they involved the ministerial character and use- 
fulness of his brother, then Rector of that parish ; — leading 
through years of wasting dissention to his ultimate separa- 
tion from his charge, and to his final displacement from the 
ministry. These difficulties originated chiefly in the active 
political preferences of his brother at a time when the whole 
blood of the country was heated and feverish ; although, in 
their progress , they drew in other questions, and ended in 
leaving a parish, which had been uncommonly prosperous, in 
a state of ruin, from which it has taken long years to raise it 
to its former condition of harmony and prosperity. 

At the close of this year, moreover, the parish in Ports- 
mouth, New Hampshire, in common with their fellow towns- 
men, suffered severely from a disastrous conflagration, which 
laid a large portion of that town in ashes. The Chaplain, 
or school master, on board one of the United States' Ships 
of War, then lying in that harbor, who was a candidate for 
orders under Bishop Griswold, thus writes immediately after 
the melancholy event. 

" Congress, Portsmouth, Dec. 14, 1813. 

u Dear Sir, — I need not tell you' that your kind letter was 
received with much pleasure. I should have answered it 
sooner, but for a misfortune, which my feeble pen is unable 
to describe, and which imagination can hardly conceive. 
The beautiful town of Portsmouth is ruined. About 200 



216 MEMOIR, &C. 

houses are in ashes : and their miserable inhabitants driven 
to seek shelter at this inclement season where charity pro- 
vides. 

" Night before last, I was at your worthy friend's, the 
Hon. J. Sheafe's, where Capt. Hull, Capt. Smith and a num- 
ber of the officers were met to take supper. At half-past 
7 we were alarmed by the cry of fire i It was soon dis- 
covered to proceed from a barn near the Alms-house. The 
wind was very strong from the southward and westward. A 
number of us took our stand upon the top of Mr. Sheafe's 
house, which the flakes of fire soon covered like a shower. 
We were able to extinguish it where it caught, for about 
two hours, when the houses about us were all in flames. By 
this time they had been able to remove most of the valuable 
furniture ; and we then made our retreat through the garden, 
amidst showers of falling fire. 

" The exertions of the officers and men from our vessels 
were unparalleled ; and the names of many in the Navy will 
long be dear to the suffering inhabitants of Portsmouth. The 
fire raged with unabated fury, and little hopes were enter- 
tained by many of saving the town, until one o'clock, when 
it was found that we had gotten the upper hand of it. I 
trembled for the Church and Mr. Burroughs' house ; but by 
the great exertions of Capt. Smith, Capt. Creighton, and 
others, the fire was stopped in its rage at the corner below. 
Between 12 and 1, being so exhausted that I could do no 
more, I went to the top of the Church with Mr. Burroughs. 
No pencil could paint such a scene. * * * * 
* * * * * * * You will easily 

conceive that my heart ached to see the poor women leaving 
their houses, conveying their dearest treasures, their children, 
in their arms, and abandoning their property to the merci- 
less flames, or to the more merciless wretches, who, 
amidst the distressing scene, were sufficiently abandoned to 
pillage the sufferers. 

" I am happy to inform you that my parish have given 
about $700 to relieve the sufferers, leaving out our worthy 
commander, who will, no doubt, give more than that sum. 



PARISH ENDOWMENTS. 217 

I trust that measures will be taken by our Church and the 
public generally to alleviate in some degree the distress of 
their suffering fellow beings. 

" Mr. Sheafe and family have been the most considerable 
sufferers. Next to them, Capt. Shapley. Mr. Sheafe lost 
three houses, and three stores, besides considerable other 
property. These men, however, have not, like many, lost 
their all. Many, who were in comfortable circumstances, 
have, in one hour, been reduced to the most abject poverty. 

With great respect, your servant, ." 

Rt. Rev. ) 

Bishop Griswold. 5 

Near the time of this afflictive visitation, moreover, the 
attention of the Bishop was called to the condition of the 
parish and its property in the town of Hopkinton, Massachu- 
setts. Mrs. Price, a wealthy and benevolent lady of that 
town, attached to the Episcopal Church, had formerly given 
a farm towards the endowment of a parish ; and a Church 
was subsequently built. But so few Episcopalians were 
found to sustain it and take care of its endowment, that it 
fell into decay, and all its concerns ran into a state of neg- 
lect, in which they have lain wholly unproductive of bene- 
fit to the parish. Nor from this state have they ever yet been 
rescued. This is one of the few waste places of our 
Church, which the Bishop did not live to see rebuilt and 
repeopled. Indeed, it is generally true, that those parishes, 
which originated under the old system of partial or complete 
endowments, even where they have been recovered from the 
desolations of War and change, have not proved to be 
among the most flourishing, active, self-multiplying parts of 
our ecclesiastical body. They have ordinarily been stinted, 
or stationary in themselves, doing nothing for the growth of 
our institutions, and dependent for their own languid exist- 
ence on the endowments, which they held. The life, the 
energy, the enterprize of our Church, it is believed, have 
never been found investing themselves, and seeking to ren- 
der their self-investments productive, in this species of eccle- 
siastical stock. The true spirit of Christmnity is one of 



218 MEMOIR, &C. 

spontaneous benevolence, seeking to spread abroad both it- 
self and the blessed influences in which it hath its spring. 
And it is supposed to be demonstrated by the experience of 
some thousands of years, that the safe investment, and quiet 
possession of money do not favor the birth, the growth, or 
the activity of this heaven-descended progeny. 

But, whatever was the weakness of any of the parishes 
of his Diocese, or however despairing were any of his clergy 
of their ultimate revival, or their increase of self-sustaining 
strength, the Bishop was always the last man, in whose 
bosom hope died. He could see danger, and feel discou- 
ragement ; and, in his annual addresses, he often used the 
language of a heart, that mourned and felt sad over the 
dangers and discouragements, by which the Church was be- 
set. But whatever he felt, he generally used the language 
of devout thankfulness for all the success, with which he 
met, and of cheerful hope in view of all that remained to be 
achieved : and whenever the question came up of actually 
abandoning ground already occupied, he was never found 
among the number of those, who consented to the abandon- 
ment. Of this we shall meet, by and by, with interesting 
proofs. 

During the year 1813, sprang up, under the auspices of 
the Rev. Mr. Chase, of Christ Church, Hartford, (now 
Bishop of Illinois) and of the Rev. Asa Cornwall, then of 
East Windsor, Connecticut, — the interesting parish of St. 
James' Church, Greenfield, which soon settled down under 
the faithful ministry of the Rev. Titus Strong, and has never 
yet had but one Rector. Of the origin of this parish, Mr. 
Cornwall gives the following account : 

" East Windsor, January 6th, 1813. 

" Rt. Rev'd and Dear Sir, — At the request of Brother 
Chase, I have officiated in your Diocese, at Greenfield; 
presuming that it would not be disagreeable to you. Before 
I went, I had understood from him that the few Episcopa- 
lians in that village had but a short time ago begun to hold 
regular service. My expectation of course was that there, 



ORIGIN OF ST. JAMES', GREENFIELD. 219 

as in other places, where the Church and its modes of wor- 
ship are new, or little known, numbers might be drawn to- 
gether by curiosity, but few from principle, or the desire of 
receiving instruction with regard to the Church. Judge, 
then, my dear sir, how much I was surprised and delighted 
to meet a small congregation assembled in a chamber, fitted 
up in the form of our well finished churches, with pulpit, 
reading-desk, slips, and every other convenience ; and a 
great proportion of the congregation with Prayer-books, 
anxious to be instructed in the proper use of them, and unit- 
ing their voices apparently with most fervent devotion in the 
prayers and praises of the Church. A scene was presented 
there, which I believe is seldom excelled even among those, 
who have long called themselves Churchmen. The true 
Church has there at length found a place in the midst of a 
far surrounding wilderness of error. The Zion of our 
Redeemer is rising at last and shaking herself from the 
dust. For the first time had the festival of our Lord's Na- 
tivity been recently celebrated there. On the Sunday fol- 
lowing, the holy rite of baptism was administered to five ; 
and seven received the holy communion. Of these latter, 
five received that sacrament for the first time. As a minister 
of Christ, I thought my duty required me to administer it to 
them, upon receiving satisfaction of the correctness of their 
faith and the purity of their motives, and an assurance that 
they would embrace the earliest opportunity of being con- 
firmed. For this purpose, they were, when I left them, ex- 
tremely desirous of a visit from their Bishop. * 



* * Their zeal promises much ; but their ability, 
I imagine, is not adequate to the speedy and permanent es- 
tablishment of the Church in that place, without some as- 
sistance from abroad. If, sir, you could visit them in the 
course of the winter, or early in the spring, it would confer 
on them a favor, which they would gratefully receive ; and 
I do think it would be of essential service to them, as indivi- 
duals, and to their infant parish. And should our Church 



220 MEMOIR, &C. 

once obtain a sure footing in that quarter, where Episcopa- 
lians were never before known, I cannot but believe, from 
what I saw and heard, that very many of other denomina- 
tions would flock to it as an ark of safety from the threaten- 
ing deluge of Socinianism, &c. * * * * 
***** 

With sentiments of esteem, 

Your sincere friend and humble servant, 

Asa Cornwall." 

The Rt. Rev. 

Alexander V. Griswold. 

During the following May, in giving an account of the 
laying of the corner-stone of the new Church in this parish, 
the Rev. Mr. Chase, in his well known style, writes thus : 

" They have begun in the Lord, and with his blessing 
promised to his Church they will prosper. However i let 
and hindered? by the Samaritans of the present day, they 
will succeed if they ' watch and pray,' and pray and watch. 
It is devoutly to be hoped that no enemy may creep in 
among- them to disturb their harmony and mar their work. 
They are truly primitive in their faith and practice ; avoiding 
the sin of Korah on the one hand, and that of the Scribes 
and Pharisees on the other. Would that we were all of this 
mind ! Would that we all had the firmness of Azariah and 
the piety of John ! Then and then only should we be in 
that narrow path, which leads to life. 

In great haste, I am, Rt. Rev. Sir, 

Yours very dutifully, 

Philander Chase." 

The Rt. Rev. 
Bishop Griswold. 

The following October, Mr. Strong, being only a candi- 
date for orders, began to preach for this parish ; thus afford- 
ing another instance, in which the pressure of New England 
necessities led to a virtual, though not, it is presumed, to an 
intentional, infraction of our Canon on this point. Mr. 
Thos. Chapman of Greenfield, in writing to the Bishop 
says ; " The Sunday after the receipt of your esteemed favor 



221 

of the 6th October, Mr. Strong, being on a visit to his 
friends at Northampton, came up and performed Divine Ser- 
vice, and preached two Sundays in our Church-room, and 
one evening lecture ;" and Mr. C. assures the Bishop that if he 
" would have the goodness to put Mr. S. in deacon's orders," 
he had no doubt the parish would at once raise a sum ade- 
quate to the securing of his services. 

In the foregoing letters from Mr. Cornwall and Mr. Chase, 
so far as they express, or imply, apprehensions of danger from 
the growth and prevalence of Socinian errors in New Eng- 
land, the Bishop deeply sympathised ; but, if they were in- 
tended to deny the character and privileges of the Church 
to other bodies of New England Christians, it is not proba- 
ble that they met with any very cordial response from him. 
The Bishop was every inch an Episcopalian ; but he never 
thought that the Church of Christ cannot, in any sense, exist 
without Episcopacy, any more than he thought that the hu- 
man body ceases to be a body, when it has lost its right hand, 
but has still head and heart united in right relations, and 
both of them sound, healthy and active. He saw and felt 
the dangers, to which other denominations are exposed ; but 
he considered them Christian Churches, and rejoiced in all 
the good, of which they were instruments. His feelings on 
this subject were, in his own peculiar way, expressed in 
connexion with the following incident. As he was one day 
riding through Massachusetts in the progress of one of his 
Episcopal visitations, and in company, I believe, with Mr. 
Strong of Greenfield, he passed many houses of worship be- 
longing to the orthodox Congregationalists, Baptists and 
Methodists ; but not one belonging to Episcopalians. The 
fact elicited remark, in the course of which the Bishop ob- 
served ; " As we have passed along, I have been thinking 
what the people of our State would do, if they could not 
find religion except by seeking it in our Church?" 

Letters received this year from the Rev. Mr Bronson, of 
Vermont, shew that, in that distant portion of the Diocese, 
notwithstanding the evils of war and the desolations of 

pestilence, he was proving himself a faithful, active, and, to 

T * 



222 MEMOIR, &C. 

some encouraging extent, successful laborer, under his be- 
loved Diocesan. 

In the spring of the year 1814, a triennial session of our 
General Convention was held in Philadelphia ; at which 
time Bishop Griswold preached before that body. It could 
not, however, have been what is termed the Convention ser- 
mon, or that delivered at the opening of the session ; inas- 
much as it appears, from the journals of that and of the next 
triennial session, that this opening discourse in 1814, was 
preached by Bishop Hobart ; and that Bishop Griswold de- 
livered the next before the Convention at New York, in 
1817. 

The great difficulty of obtaining clergy for the vacant pa- 
rishes of his Diocese, and the necessity of employing lay- 
readers, candidates for orders, in their stead, are matters, to 
which I have already alluded. I have also referred to the 
peculiarly strong inducement, which was found in New Eng- 
land tastes and habits, and under which candidates for 
orders were repeatedly led to assume something of the min- 
isterial character, in violation of the 19th Canon of 1808. 
These facts, it seems, at length attracted notice, and called 
forth an official expression of the Bishop's views on the 
subject. The following communication from him to one of 
his candidates is quite characteristic, and shews that, though 
he did not place Ecclesiastical and Scriptural Canons on the 
same ground of authority, yet he knew how as well to en- 
force the former as to expound the latter. 

" Bristol, July 19th. 

u Dear Sir, Your letter of the 15th inst. I 

have just now received, and am set down to return you an 
answer. 

" Your subject is, the difficulties of complying with the 
restrictions of Canon 19th. Without any reference to its 
merits, or the expediency of such a rule, it would be suffi- 
cient to observe, that I have no power to alter or dispense 
with it, but am bound by it no less than yourself. But, give 
me leave to add, that nothing, which I have ever seen or 



LETTER TO A LAY-READER, &C. 223 

heard, has more clearly evinced the propriety of that Canon 
than your letter. 

" As to what you say of c a number accused of irregular- 
ity,' I can only answer that I had not heard of the accusa- 
tion ; though I fear, from what you write, that there is too 
much ground for one. I have no recollections that the 
Canon has been violated in my presence, or that any regular 
complaint against any one for such violation has been made ; 
and in your supposition of my previous knowledge of the 
irregularities, which you report, you are much mistaken. 

" Respecting the custom in Boston, and what has been 
heretofore practiced, I would briefly state, what probably 
you already know, that there has been, among the clergy of 
this Diocese, some difference of opinion respecting the con- 
struction of that Canon ; and it was by some deemed ex- 
pedient to postpone a rigorous enforcement of it till the 
meeting of the General Convention, when its true intention 
might be ascertained. This has since been done. No doubt 
can now remain with any one. 

" We do not question your being l entitled to a gown.' 
The Canon only forbids your wearing it when performing 
Divine Service ; and the reason of this prohibition I should 
suppose you must know ; though what you next add implies 
the contrary. You assign, as a reason for going into the 
pulpit, its being less sacred than other places, as though the 
object of the Canon were, to prevent the candidate's profan- 
ing the place in which he officiates. Can you then be igno- 
rant that the design of the Canon is to prevent the evil (and 
'tis no small or uncommon one) of the people's making no 
distinction between clergymen and lay-readers ? 

" Respecting what you say, or mean to insinuate from the 
fact, that certain candidates wore gowns at the consecration 
of St. Mary's Church, Newton, 'tis sufficient to observe that, 
if the whole congregation had seen fit to appear in gowns, it 
would have been no infringement of the letter ', whatever it 
might have been of the spirit of the 19th Canon. 

" I rejoice at your declaration that, for yourself, you have 
no hostility to the restriction ; for there is reason to fear that 



224 MEMOIR, &C. 

some might be actuated, in such case, by a vanity of making 
a clerical appearance, totally repugnant to that meekness, 
truth and simplicity, which are most essentially necessary to 
the Christian character. 

"As to your apprehensions of an unfavorable effect on 
the Church, I think that such effect may be prevented by a 
fair explanation of the matter, being careful to suggest no- 
thing to prejudice the people's minds. 

" You speak of my being surprised of hearing at a can- 
didate's procuring a gown. I acknowledge myself, indeed, 
truly surprised at the following words from your letter ; l I 

fear the people of Church will not consent to hear 

preaching from the desk, and pay so dear/or it as they now 

doS If these things are so, if the parishioners of 

Church think that you are authorized to preach, and that 
you do preach ; and if they are paying you a salary on that 
supposition ; — you certainly must see the propriety of the 
Canon in question. You ought long since to have informed 
them better. To suffer them to remain in ignorance on such 
a point, and still more to do any thing to confirm them in it, 
would be, on many accounts, very unjustifiable. What is it 
— short of profiting by deception ? I request you now to 

inform the Vestry and Wardens of Church, (by 

shewing them this letter or otherwise) that candidates for 
orders, so called in our Church, are considered students in 
Divinity ; — that their reading prayers and a printed sermon 
occasionally is an indulgence for their convenience ; that 
their business is, to prepare for examination, when, if they 
are found qualified and desire it, they may be regularly li- 
censed to preach ; and that, at present, you have no more 
authority to preach than any one of the congregation. 

" I have great respect as well as affection for the people 

in , and am sure that their good sense will teach 

them that 'tis reasonable, (in our church as it is in other 
churches) that a candidate should go through with his regu- 
lar studies and examinations before he is licensed to officiate 
as a minister of Christ. Can you believe that these en- 
lightened people will blame me for not sending one into 



LETTER TO A LAY-READER, &C. 225 

their pulpit to preach, whom I have never examined, who 
has never offered himself to me for examination, and of 
whose qualifications I am almost totally ignorant ? I desire 

particularly that Messrs. , and , may 

see this letter, that we may prevent these apprehended evils. 
Let these worthy gentlemen know the rules of our Church, 
and the reasons of them, and they will cheerfully acquiesce ; 
and if they prefer you as their future minister, they will wil- 
lingly wait the time of your necessary preparation for the 
sacred office. 

" You state that the prospects of the Church in 

were fair before this prohibition. But you cannot surely be 
ignorant that the same prohibition, without the least altera- 
tion, has existed for six years, and long before you offered 
yourself as a candidate. Your hopes, expressed, of organi- 
zing that Church, I do not understand, seeing that it has 
been organized for many years. Should you, through the 
Divine blessing, be made the instrument of its growth in 
piety and numbers, we shall rejoice and bless"God. What 
you mean by your intention of being c governed entirely by 
the feeling of the people,' and your willingness to submit to 
the regulations of the Church, so far as you can do it with 
propriety, will, with some other things, require explanation. 

" As to your receiving orders within the year, the Bishops, 
with whom I consulted, were clearly of opinion that it is not 
in such case admissible : besides, as I once told you, it is 
scarce possible, with the closest application, that you can go 
through with the requisite studies in a less time. 

"You express a willingness to 'make any personal sacrifi- 
ces' for the benefit of that people ; which is very laudable : 
but I must charitably suppose, though against the most obvi- 
ous sense, that you do not reckon forbearing to wear a gown 
and appear in the pulpit, as one among the number of such 
sacrifices. From what Christian motives could you wish to 
do it ? Should any, as you fear, leave our Church on this 
account, it will be a great grief and add to the painful cares, 
which are daily accumulating upon me. The Lord's will be 
done. I desire the prayers of every member of our Church 



226 MEMOIR, &C. 

that I may be guided by His wisdom, and faithful to my 
duty. But I trust in God, that no pious Christian, who is 
from principle attached to our Church, will leave it for so 
very trivial an objection, or from a disappointment of the 
vanity of appearing as a clergyman before he is one. That God 
may direct your heart and your studies to better things than a 
vain show, and prepare you to become an able, faithful and 
successful minister of His Word, and true to your duty, is the 
prayer of 

Yours, affectionately, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

If there was ever a case, in which authority was used 
without arrogance, or keen but holy rebuke administered to 
one, who evidently needed it, I think we have it in the above 
letter ; and if the candidate, who received it, was not made 
better by it, he gave, to himself at least, good evidence that, 
for whatever other calling he was qualified, he was mistaken 
in supposing himself called and qualified to enter the minis- 
try of the Gospel. 

In the course of the foregoing letter, allusion is made to the 
consecration of St. Mary's Church, Newton. This was one 
of the new and interesting parishes, which arose soon after 
the consecration 'of Bishop Griswold, and which, in a few 
years, was settled under the care of its present faithful and 
useful Rector, the Rev. A. L. Baury. 

The new parish in Greenfield was rapidly rising in pros- 
perity, as appears from the following passages in a letter to Mr. 
Strong, who afterwards became its Rector. I give this letter, as 
I would all others from its author, with the remark that, when- 
ever, in his correspondence with his clergy, he touches on 
important subjects, his own language is a better contribution 
to his memoirs, than any which his biographer could use ; 
inasmuch as in it we see the good Bishop still alive, and hear 
him, "though dead, yet speaking." 

" Bristol, August 9, 1814. 
" Rev. and dear Sir, — I have received your favor of the 
19th ult., and most sincerely thank you for the information, 



LETTERS TO THE REV. T. STRONG. 227 

• 

which it gives. The prosperous state of that young parish 
and its increase, for the time, are very wonderful. Much 
praise is due to that people for their active zeal in this pious 
work; and 'tis a subject of great thankfulness to God, whose 
favor and blessing have crowned their labor with such suc- 
cess. * * * ***** ^he 
method of teaching in your sermons, which you mention as 
having adopted, I think judicious and most likely to have a 
good effect. The government, worship and discipline of the 
Church are important to be taught the people, as their case 
may require ; but the doctrines of the Church, or (which I 
conceive to be the same) of the Gospel, are most essential. 
If their hearts be first renewed unto faith and well established 
in the doctrines of the Cross, they will feel as well as see the 
excellence of our Liturgy and gladly receive and support an 
Apostolic ministry. ******* 

" It will be proper that you should prepare the people for 
confirmation, that they may be in readiness, whenever we 
are able to attend to its administration. Though the fitness 
of persons for receiving that rite depends, chiefly, on their 
knowledge of religion and their pious affections, yet, it will 
seldom occur, that any can be deemed of sufficient age and 
understanding for so solemn a devotion of themselves to God, 
till the age of fourteen. Generally speaking, those qualifica- 
tions, which would fit them to receive baptism, will fit them 
for confirmation. And 'tis to be desired that those, who 
have been confirmed, should be prepared, the sooner the 
better, to come to the Lord's Supper. Yet, it may in some 
cases be prudent and proper to confirm those, whom we 
would wish, for a little while, to delay their communing, 
especially in the case of very young persons, that we may 

have further evidence of their faith and stability. 

********** 

I am, with esteem, 

Yours respectfully, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. Titus Strong. 



228 MEMOIR, &C. 

• 

The Biennial Convention of the Eastern Diocese met this 
year at Portsmouth, N. H. ; but its business was unimport- 
ant. The Bishop's address, though longer than his former 
at Newport, was still brief and modest, recording with grati- 
tude to God all the encouragements, with which he had met 
in the condition of his Diocese, especially in the rise of the 
two new parishes, to which I have referred, and in the favor- 
able beginning of the " Easter collections;" but passing over 
in silence the many discouragements, by which he was 
beset. 

The incidents, which can be gathered to illustrate this 
period in the memoir, in addition to the mere details of the 
Journals of Conventions, are but few. The following parts 
of a correspondence with the Rev. Mr. Strong of Greenfield, 
however, will be read with some interest : 

" Bristol, 24th January, 1815. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — Your letter, of December 30th, has 
not only relieved me of some degree of painful anxiety, but 
also given me great pleasure. I had feared that some unfa- 
vorable events might check the zeal of that parish and dis- 
courage your settling with them. How great then must be 
the satisfaction of learning, that their zeal in so good a work 
remains unabated, that their number still increases, and chief- 
ly that the business of your settlement is agreed upon. Did 
the same laudable zeal inspire the scattered members of our 
communion throughout this Diocese, soon, we may trust, 
would our Church assume that rank and dignity amongst us, 
to which, by her sound doctrines and apostolic order, she is 
so well entitled. 

" As to the opposition, with which you meet, 'tis much to 
be deplored that enmity should exist among those, who name 
themselves of Christ ; but what we deem the truth of God 
we must teach and maintain. Let it be done, however, 
with meekness and charity : render not evil for evil, nor rail- 
ing for railing ; but rather put to silence all opposition by 
well doing; by exhibiting in your lives and conduct the 
superior excellence of our holy faith. What notice ought to 



LETTERS TO THE REV. T. STRONG. 229 

be taken of the sermons which you mention, can better be 
determined when they come abroad. We may well suppose 
that Mr. Olds has urged nothing against Episcopacy but 
what has been a hundred times refuted. But, considering 
what has so often happened, we shall not be surprised if the 
same things are again advanced with the same vain confi- 
dence of boasting, and read by the ignorant with the same 
avidity, as if they neither had been nor could be answered. 
Should it be expedient, the Lord permitting, a suitable an- 
swer to the sermons in question will be found. * 
*******£ 

" That you are sensible of the vast importance of the min- 
isterial office, and the awful responsibilities of a Christian 
Ambassador, is much to be commended. Let it humble, but 
not discourage you. Let us devoutly look to him, who alone 
1 is sufficient for these things.' The Lord, we trust, has al- 
ready blessed your labors, and shewn you the way to further 
usefulness in His holy vineyard. Go on, then, with confi- 
dence that He, who has begun a good work in you, will finish 
it. Improve the talents given you. c Do the work of an 
Evangelist ; make fall proof of thy ministry :' and remember 
that c they that have used the office of a Deacon well, pur- 
chase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in 
the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.' 

Your friend and brother, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. Titus Strong. 

This letter was written in view of Mr. Strong's ordination 
as Presbyter ; and it is a model of fatherly affection and of 
apostolical faithfulness. It shews that its writer knew how 
to commend as well as how to rebuke ; how to encourage as 
well as how to instruct. What his subsequent view was of 
Mr. Olds' attack on the Church, we shall see from a subse- 
quent letter to Mr. Strong, written after the threatened publi- 
cation had been made. 

"Bristol, September 12th, 1815. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — I most sincerely thank you for your 



230 MEMOIR, &C. 

letter of the 4th August, containing an account of the state 
of the new parish at Montague. I was much pleased with 
those of them, whom I saw at Greenfield. They appeared 
to be sensible, judicious, intelligent Christians, who acted 
conscientiously and not without due consideration. * * * 
I would certainly advise them to continue to meet for divine 
service every Lord's day ; and also in their private devo- 
tions to pray the Lord of the harvest to guide them with His 
wisdom, and to send faithful laborers into that part of His 
vineyard. I wish you to help them to suitable sermons for 
public reading ; such as are calculated equally to mend the 
heart and enlighten the understanding. * * * 

" I wish you, at present certainly, to consider them as 
under your care and inspection, and that you will give them 
all the counsel and assistance which shall be consistent with 
your duty to your own parish. * * * * They 
are near you. Providence has thrown them under your care ; 
and not to afford it would be barbarous. There is no other 
clergyman at present, to whose care we can commend them. 

" With respect to Mr. Olds' sermons, or book, 'till it shall 
be found of serious injury to us, let him and his people en- 
joy in quiet their imaginary triumph. To answer him is no 
difficult thing. It would require indeed little more than to 
repeat what has been many times written. The trouble and 
expense of a religious controversy are serious evils. And if 
it were to be prosecuted with the same bitter and uncharita- 
ble spirit, with which Mr. 0. has commenced, the injury to 
the general cause of religion would be much more serious. 
The temptation to reply when so provoked is, I am sensible, 
strong, and requires much self-denial ; but there are times 
and occasions, when it is our duty to suffer reproach in the 
cause of truth. May the Lord direct us, in this and in all 
things, to that which shall best promote His glory and the 
prosperity of His Church. ****** 

" Be assured that, with sentiments of esteem and respect, 
I remain, your friend and brother, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. Titos Strong. 



PROPOSED REMOVAL TO CAMBRIDGE. 231 

These are sentiments on the subject of religious contro- 
versy, which, under all ordinary circumstances, it would be 
well for the whole body of the Church to adopt and carry 
into practice. u The trouble and expense of such controversies" 
had, in general, better be bestowed on a peaceable effort to 
spread the blessings of a Gospel of love. 

In the anxiety and tender care, which the Bishop ex- 
presses for the little flock at Montague, we see with what 
joy he hailed, and with what assiduity he sought to nurse 
into an abiding and heavenly flame, every new spark of life 
and growth, however feeble and faint at first, and in what- 
ever part of his Diocese it appeared. He exhibits, too, sound 
Christian wisdom in sending that little flock to secret prayer, 
for a faithful and spiritual ministry among themselves. They, 
who really pray thus for such a ministry, will never knowing- 
ly take up with any other. 

I have already alluded to the desire felt by many that the 
Bishop should reside nearer the centre of his Diocese, and to 
the result of the effort which was made to induce his removal 
to Salem. In the Spring of the year 1816, a further effort, 
originating in the same cause, was made to secure his settle- 
ment in Cambridge. The small, but important parish in 
that town was now vacant ; but being unable of itself to sup- 
port the Bishop as its rector, the friends of the Church, in and 
about Boston, took measures to secure such a salary as would 
be sufficient for that purpose ; and on the 21st of April, 
Judge Tyng wrote to the Bishop in their behalf, and by way 
of preparing him for a call from the Vestry. Portions of the 
correspondence, which ensued, I shall give; not because 
the removal contemplated was effected, or would have been 
a splendid event, but because that correspondence gives an 
interesting view of the Bishop's character, and shews the 
direction in which his Diocese was moving. He evidently 
received the overtures through Judge Tyng with favor ; for, 
on the 2d of May, he wrote to his brother-in-law, Howard 
Mitchelson, that he had in contemplation the removal of his 
family to Cambridge, although he had not as yet determined 



232 MEMOIR, &C. 

on such a step. His answer to Judge Tyng discloses, to a 
careful reader, the same state of mind. It is dated, 

« Bristol, May 3d, 1816. 

u Dear Sir, — I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 
21st of April, and return you cordial thanks for the kind and 
interesting information, which it contains. 

" That the Church in Cambridge is very small I had sup- 
posed ; that more vigorous measures are in operation for its 
future ^prosperity is a subject of gratulation. May the Lord 
give them success. That those measures have not been 
adopted with unanimity is, however, very much to be re- 
gretted. 

" Respecting my removal to Cambridge I shall affect no 
reserve, but answer with that frankness of communication, 
which both the manner and the subject of your letter require. 
I consider myself as devoted to the service of the Churches 
in this Diocese, and bound certainly to do whatever shall be 
in my power to promote their interest and prosperity. Nor 
can it be denied, that a more central situation would apparent- 
ly enable me to perform the duties of a Diocesan with more 
facility and convenience, both to myself and to the Churches. 
Were I less engaged in parochial duties, and in a situation 
to bestow more of my time in visiting the various parts of the 
Diocese, my time, we may reasonably suppose, would be 
more profitably bestowed. It must also be allowed, that 
Cambridge is sufficiently central and convenient. But, still, 
to my removal thither there are several obstacles, and some 
of serious consideration. That of the least weight is my 
private interest, which, from the preculiarity of my situation, 
must suffer very considerably by a removal from this place : 
nor can I reasonably expect to find another situation so con- 
venient for my family, as the one, which I now possess. 
But of these things, I am sensible, little account should be 
made. 

" A point of much more serious importance to my feelings 
is the separating from a people, with whom for many years 



PROPOSED REMOVAL TO CAMBRIDGE. 233 

I have lived in the most perfect harmony, and whose very 
great and uniform kindness, to me and mine, have engaged 
me to them with the most tender ties of gratitude and affec- 
tion. Should it be urged in reply, that private feelings ought 
no more than private interests to interfere in a matter of more 
public concern, I have to add very serious apprehensions, 
that the Church here in Bristol would suffer in consequence 
of my leaving them. Being already bound to them as their 
minister, my heart revolts from a separation against their con- 
sent ; nor would it consist with my duty to leave them un- 
supplied. 

" Supposing that they may be satisfactorily supplied with 
another minister, it would remain only to consider my pros- 
pects of a maintenance in Cambridge, To those generous 
friends, who have offered to contribute for my benefit, as 
also to those, who have already done it, I am under the 
greatest obligations ; and it is my daily prayer that the Lord, 
who is able, may bless and reward them. You can, better 
perhaps than myself, judge what will be the ordinary ex- 
pense of a large family in that place: not less, I suppose, 
than in Boston. To myself, it is less painful to suffer almost 
any privation than to burthen my friends. We, who are 
dependent on the gratuitous contributions of Christian people, 
should be content with such style of living as they judge fit 
and becoming. I have little doubt, while the Lord shall 
preserve my health, of being able to clothe and feed my 
family with the sum, which you mention. But, whether it 
would be possible, with the most rigid economy, to live in 
such a manner as would there be thought respectable and 
decent, my friends in that vicinity are best able to judge. 
Should it be the Lord's will that I reside among them, my 
chief concern in these things will be, not to disgrace them ; 
my careful endeavor, that nothing bestowed upon me be 
needlessly wasted ; and my confidence, that they will not 
expect what is impossible, nor be offended with a plainness 
and frugality which must be necessary. 

"The time, we may hope, is not far distant, though prob^ 
ably beyond my day, when the funds of our Church shall 



234 MEMOIR, &C. 

place the Bishop of this Diocese in a situation for greater 

usefulness. Till such time arrives, the most retired situation 

for his residence is perhaps the best. But this must be as 

the will of the Lord and the voice of His people shall direct. 

My desire is, to spend my few remaining days among the 

kind friends, who here surround me ; but I hold myself in 

readiness to go whithersoever duty and the good of the 

Churches may call me. And whatever shall be determined, 

of one thing be assured, that 

I am, with affection and respect, 

Your friend and humble servant, 

Alexander V. Griswold. 
Dudley A. Tyng, Esq. 

The apprehension, expressed in this letter, that his private 
interests would suffer by a removal from Bristol, arose, it is 
presumed, simply from the necessity, to which such a removal 
would subject him, of selling at a sacrifice the house and 
garden in Bristol, which he had contrived by his little 
savings to purchase, and which, with his skill and industry 
in horticulture, were vastly more available to the support of 
his family than they could be made by either sale or rent. 
Still, his letter, on the whole, makes it evident that, though 
a removal threatened to involve pecuniary loss, and, what 
was vastly more regarded, a most painful sacrifice of feel- 
ings, yet he desired, and perhaps expected, to settle in Cam- 
bridge. But, the letter is valuable chiefly as shewing the 
modest views, which he entertained, of the style becoming 
a Bishop in the Church of Christ. He desired indeed what 
would not disgrace the friends among whom he might be 
called to move. But of the style, which men of the world 
affect, he thought little, and for it cared less. He deemed 
that the honor and dignity of the Bishopric were best sus- 
tained by holiness of life, and a self-sacrificing devotion to 
its duties. His reference, too, to the future prospects of the 
funds of the Church, shews that, at this time, he expected 
the Eastern Diocese would live after himself, and that he 
should have a successor in the Bishopric, which he filled. 



PROPOSED REMOVAL TO CAMBRIDGE. 235 

Upon the receipt of his letter by Judge Tyng, the parish 
in Cambridge proceeded to call him to its rectorship ; and 
on the 8th of May the wardens of the parish, Abraham 
Bigelow and W. D. Peck, communicated the result in a 
very appropriate letter of invitation. The salary, which 
with the aid of friends and the fund, they were enabled to 
offer him, was $1500. And, as will be seen by the follow- 
ing extract from their letter, they urged his acceptance of 
the call on the ground, that it was the wish of his Diocese 
no less than that of their parish. They say : 

" While these prospects have emboldened us to make the 
request, which is the object of this address, we cannot avoid 
the observation, that they also imply a general wish of the 
Diocese that it may meet your approbation and concurrence. 
Although the parish have been principally induced to adopt 
this measure from a desire of their own religious and moral 
improvement, under your pastoral care, yet they cannot but 
indulge the idea, that your local situation here will afford you 
opportunity for an increased usefulness in the discharge of 
your Episcopal functions, from the vicinity of many churches 
to this place, and the easy and frequent means of communi- 
cation to be enjoyed here with every part of the Diocese. 
We may also be permitted to recollect, in this connexion, 
the large and valuable library of the University here estab- 
lished, to which you will have free access, and the society 
of learned and amiable men employed in the government 
and instruction of that Institution." 

The Diocesan reason for his removal, urged in this extract, 
was doubtless that, which influenced his mind, both as a 
Bishop and as a Christian, in his wish to settle in Cam- 
bridge ; though there need be no doubt that, so far as the 
literary advantages, which were offered by such a settlement 
might be allowed to operate on him as a man, they had in 
his case an uncommon degree of weight. The first step, 
which he took in the business, was to return an answer to 
the letter from the wardens, intimating that their proposal 
demanded " mature consideration," and proposing to visit 
them in the course of a few weeks with a view to " a more 



236 MEMOIR, &C. 

decisive answer." In the mean time, his next step was to 
lay the subject of the call before his own Vestry in Bristol. 
This, however, brought forth so strong an expression of feel- 
ing from the parish, and disclosed such strength in the ties, 
which bound him there, that he ultimately relinquished the 
project of a removal. And yet, he had evidently excited so 
strong an expectation of his removal, in Cambridge and in 
Boston, that he felt it would be extremely unpleasant to re- 
turn a positive refusal of the call; and thus it appears to 
have remained an undecided matter for at least a year. His 
Vestry, indeed, held a meeting as soon as the call was laid 
before them, at which, while they expressed the strongest 
reluctance to a separation, they offered to release him from 
further correspondence with the Cambridge parish, and 
avowed an undoubting conviction of their ability to satisfy 
the wardens of that parish that the removal, which they 
sought, ought not to take place. Still, when they had thus 
induced him to relinquish his purpose of removal, his Vestry 
themselves appear to have dropped the matter, and left the 
parish in Cambridge for a twelve-month in a state of uncer- 
tainty, which was finally terminated by the Bishop himself. 
In the year 1814, the Bishop, in addition to his address 
to the Convention of his Diocese assembled in Portsmouth, 
N. H., delivered a charge to his clergy, noticed in the Journal 
of that Convention, as " a solemn and excellent charge." 
This was subsequently published, with "a Pastoral letter" 
prefixed ; and, being sent to England, was very favorably 
noticed in the Missionary Register of the Church Missionary 
Society, for 1816 and 1817. A considerable portion of this 
Pastoral letter and charge, w T as on the subject of the mission- 
ary duty of our Church : and as the part, which Bishop Gris- 
wold modestly bore in our early missionary organization, is 
not generally known, and especially as he has been unjustly 
suspected of indifference to the cause of Foreign Missions, it 
will be well to present here some portions of the correspond- 
ence, in which he was about this time engaged ; together 
with some of the notices of his Pastoral letter and charge, 
which were taken in the London Missionary Register. 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 237 

The correspondence referred to was opened by the Rev. 
Josiah Pratt, the able and excellent Secretary of " the Church 
Missionary Society," London, by a sort of circular letter, ad- 
dressed to " several of the leading members of the Episco- 
pal Church in the United States," dated in August 1815, 
and designed to awaken attention to the work of missions in 
this Church. To this letter it would seem that Bishop Gris- 
wold was the only man, whose answer had been received, 
when the Missionary Register for 1816 was issued. The 
following notice of this matter is found on pages 367, 368, 
of that work, for the year 1816. 

" The Secretary of the Church Missionary Society having 
addressed letters, accompanied by various publications, as 
has been already stated in our abstract of the report, to 
several of the leading members of the Episcopal Church in 
the United States ; the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, the 
Rt. Rev. Dr. Griswold, has returned an answer, which, 
with its accompanying documents, will be read with great 
pleasure by every friend of the missionary cause." 

To this notice, the Register appends the answer from 
Bishop Griswold, as follows : 

" Bristol, State of Rhode Island, July 17, 1816. 

"Rev. and dear Sir, — Your much esteemed favor of 
August last has long since been received, with the books ex- 
plaining the objects and proceedings of the Church Mission- 
ary Society : for which favor be pleased to accept, for your- 
self and the Committee of that Society, my most cordial 
thanks. Any like benefits, in future, will be gratefully ac- 
cepted ; and will, no doubt, contribute much to the promo- 
tion of zeal and godliness in this part of the Lord's vineyard. 

" It is with us a subject of great joy and thankfulness to 
the Father of mercies, that the Church of England is rising in 
her strength, and putting on her beautiful garments ; that a 
spirit of zeal for the cause of truth and the extension of the 
Redeemer's kingdom, is apparently increasing within the 
pale of the establishment ; and that your Zion is becoming 
the joy ', as it has long been the admiration, of the whole earth. 



238 MEMOIR, &C. 

" I herewith send you a Pastoral Letter to the Churches, 
and a Charge addressed to the clergy, of this Diocese ; which 
are not otherwise worth your perusal, than as they may give 
you some information of the present state of religion in this 
country, especially as relating to the subject of your commu- 
nications. 

"Most gladly would we unite with you, in sending mis- 
sionaries to Africa and the East * and hope that the time is 
not far distant, when some of our pious young men will be 
zealously disposed to engage in that interesting work. At 
present, however, we have not funds, nor other means of 
doing much in any missionary labor ; not even of supplying 
the wants of our own country. 

"It would never be credited on your side of the water, 
what multitudes there are in these United States destitute of 
the Gospel ministrations. Others there are, in still greater 
number, who, though not wholly destitute, are but occasion- 
ally and very imperfectly supplied. In any labors of this 
kind, and in every thing, which will promote the cause of 
piety and godliness in this, or in any other country of the 
earth, we will most cordially co-operate with you, so far as 
our means and power will permit ; and a correspondence 
upon this subject with the Committee of the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, will be highly pleasing to our Church 
here. 

" The Protestant Episcopal Church is, we have good rea- 
son to believe, rapidly increasing here ; not only in numbers, 
but, in what is far more desirable, inward piety and zeal for 
God. Religious prejudices, which heretofore have operated 
very much to our disadvantage, are happily diminishing, and 
giving place to a more Catholic and Christian spirit of chari- 
ty and zeal. May this spirit increase, till it fill the world, 
and all mankind see the salvation of our God and Saviour. 

I have the honor to be, with much respect and esteem, 

Your sincere friend, and brother in the Lord, 

Alexander V. Griswold, 

Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, in the States of Massachu- 
setts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont." 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 239 

Having thus introduced the Bishop to its readers, the 
Missionary Register proceeds in the Vol. for 1816, and in that 
for 1817, to give large extracts" from the pastoral letter and 
charge, quoting those parts, which touch specially the Mission- 
ary subject. These extracts are prefaced with commendatory 
remarks, which I will here insert, because they shew not only 
the early interest, which Bishop Griswold felt in the cause of 
Missions, but also that the impulse, which put in motion our 
first Missionary organization, came, in no small measure, 
from the London Church Missionary Society. For the ex- 
tracts, themselves, which the Register makes from the Bi- 
shop's pastoral letter and charge, the reader is referred to 
these documents in the Appendix at the close of this work. 
They will be found in the paragraphs, which relate to the 
cause of Missions. 

The Missionary Register of 1816 thus introduces its ex- 
tracts from the pastoral letter : 

" We subjoin some extracts from this address ; and shall, 
in a future number, give such parts of the Bishop's charge 
as relate to the subject of Missions. 

" These indications of a growing and conscientious regard 
to the great duty of Missions must be noticed with gratitude 
to the Giver of all good things." — (Miss. Reg'r. for 1816, 
p. 368.) 

In the Vol. for 1817, it prefaces its extracts from the 
charge thus more at large : 

"In the number for September, we printed a letter to the 
Secretary of the Church Missionary Society from the Rt. 
Rev. Dr. Griswold, Bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the 
United States, with a pastoral letter of the Bishop. 

" We proceed to lay before our readers, as we promised, 
such parts of the Bishop's charge to his clergy, as relate to 
the subject of Missions. They cannot fail to excite a lively 
hope, that the Episcopal Church of America will take her 
share in the benevolent exertions of the Christian world, to 
bring the heathen to the knowledge of the GospeL This 
great cause cannot in vain be pleaded so ably and so 



240 MEMOIR, &C. 

eloquently by a Christian Bishop with his clergy and his 
people. 

"Most heartly should we rejoice, if the just animadver- 
sion of the Bishop on our own Church, for the tardiness, 
with which her discipline is communicated to our colonial 
possessions, may be heard no more." — (Miss. Reg'r. for 1817, 
p. 57.) 

Having written to the Rev. Mr. Pratt the foregoing 
letter of July 17th, 1816, with its accompanying documents, 
which draw forth these notices from the Church Missionary 
Society, the Bishop, on the 24th of November of the same 
year, addressed to the same gentleman another letter, in 
which it probably was that he proposed to the notice of that 
Society the young candidate for Missionary service, men- 
tioned in the following paragraph from the Register for 1817 : 

" c The Committee having requested Sir Alexander,' 
(Sir A. Johnston, the Chief Justice for Ceylon) c to suggest 
the most expedient method of introducing their labors in 
Ceylon, he was pleased to forward, under date of July 18th, 
a plan for establishing Free-schools at all the four principal 
stations of Colombo, Galle, JafTnapatam and Trincomale. 

" In order to accomplish this plan, the Committee have 
resolved to send out four clergymen to act as Missionaries 
and superintendents of schools at the said stations. They 
have three of these clergymen in view ; and they have it 
in contemplation to propose, the Rev. Joseph R. Andrus, 
a young American clergyman of the Episcopal Church, 
strongly recommended to them by the Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Griswold, shall occupy the fourth station ; unless a fourth 
English clergyman should offer ; in which case they will 
still invite Mr. Andrus to proceed to Ceylon in order to co- 
operate with the Missionaries of the Society." (Missionary 
Reg'r. for 1817, p. 427.) 

In the following paragraph from the Register for the same 
year, the influence of the London Church Missionary So- 
ciety on our first Missionary organization comes into view in 
connexion with the agency of Bishops Griswold, and White. 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 241 

" It was stated in the last report, that letters had been ad- 
dressed to several of the leading members of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church in the United States of America, in the 
hope of obtaining the co-operation of that Church in the work 
of Missions. The Committee have much pleasure in reporting 
that very encouraging answers have been received from the 
Bishops of the Eastern Diocese and of Philadelphia," 
(Pennsylvania) " which will lead, as we trust, to an in- 
crease of Missionary exertions among the members of the 
Episcopal body. 

" In furtherance of this object, the Committee have sug- 
gested the expediency of forming, in the Episcopal Church of 
the United States, a Missionary Society for the advancement of 
the kingdom of Christ among the heathen ; and have autho- 
rized Bishop Griswold to draw on this Society for the sum 
of <£200, as an encouragement to its own exertions, and in 
full persuasion that those exertions will be, as they are daily 
felt to be in this country, a blessing to those who make 
them, as well as to those, towards whose immediate benefit 
they are directed. The Committee have also suggested the 
propriety of the Rev. Mr. Andrus, before mentioned, pro- 
ceeding to Ceylon, under the patronage of the Society to be 
so formed ; in the hope, that the maintenance by the Institu- 
tion of a pious and exemplary Missionary among the hea- 
then will not only call forth the liberal contributions of the 
members of the American Episcopal Church in support of 
the funds, but excite their prayers for its success, and in- 
duce other clergymen to follow his example." — (Missionary 
Reg'r. for 1817, p. 434.) 

The following is the communication from the Society to 
Bishop Griswold, referred to in the above paragraph : 

" Church Missionary House, ) 
London, July 31, 1817. $ 

" Rt. Reverend Sir, — Your letters of the 17th July and 
24th November last were duly received. My very exten- 
sive and important duties, as Secretary of the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, have prevented me from writing before, 



242 MEMOIR, &C. 

gratefully to acknowledge the kindness, with which you had 
received our communications, and to thank you for the im- 
portant information, with which you furnished us. 

" We take the present opportunity of sending you the 
Registers for the year 1816, and all that have been published 
this year. You will see by them, that we have availed our- 
selves of such parts of your address and charge, as related 
to Missionary subjects ; and have communicated them, with 
your letter to me, to our friends. We were anxious to shew 
them, that the hearts of the members of the Episcopal 
Church in America had been warmed in this holy cause. 

" Your last letter brings before us a subject of great im- 
portance. We are truly glad to hear that the Missionary 
spirit is rising among pious members of the Episcopal 
Church in America, and especially in the heart of such a 
man as you represent Mr. Andrus to be. Since we received 
your letter, his offer of himself has occupied much of our 
thoughts ; and the Committee have been anxious to decide 
on a plan, by which the proposal might be made most wide- 
ly beneficial in promoting the cause of Christ. 

" The Island of Ceylon has long been contemplated by 
us as a very promising field of labor ; but from the pressing 
calls to other stations, and not having a sufficient number of 
Missionaries, and an adequate income to support them, we 
have not, as yet, had it in our power to avail ourselves of 
the great opening there. The Committee are now about to 
send three or four English clergymen to Ceylon ; they will 
probably sail in October, or November ; and it has appear- 
ed to the Committee as the most promising station for Mr. 
Andrus, and that he should go thither and labor with them. 

" The Committee have thought, however, that the most 
effectual way of raising the Missionary zeal in America 
would be by the formation of a Missionary Society in the 
Episcopal Church of the United States, which, however 
small in its beginnings, might ultimately so increase as to 
produce the most extensive good." 

After speaking of a complete set of the Society's publica- 
tions, which were sent as a present to Bishop Griswold, as 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 243 

illustrative of the manner in which the Society interested its 
patrons in England and secured regular contributions to its 
funds, — the letter proceeds : 

" Should the formation of an American Episcopal Mis- 
sionary Society be accomplished, the Committee of the 
Church Missionary Society authorise you to draw on me for 
the sum of ,£200, to encourage the contributions of the 
friends of the Episcopal Church and of Christianity at large. 
In this case, Mr. Andrus had better be sent to Ceylon un- 
der the proposed Society, and be instructed to co-operate 
with such of our Missionaries as may be fixed in that 
Island." 

With a reference to the information, which the Register 
and Sir A. Johnston conveyed on the subject of the great 
opening in Ceylon, the letter thus concludes : 

" I need only in conclusion remark, that, after much ex- 
perience, we have invariably found, that endeavors to excite 
and foster a Missionary spirit at home have not only suc- 
ceeded in their immediate object, but have been productive 
of great collateral good to the places themselves. A spirit 
of piety has been fostered and increased ; the friends of re- 
ligion, till then little acquainted with one another, have 
been brought together ; domestic charities have been greatly 
enlarged ; and we have all found the truth of the declara- 
tion ; £ There is that scattereth and yet increaseth.' 

" We have written to the Bishop of Philadelphia on this 
subject; and also to Mr. Andrus, and Mr. Eaton. 
I am, Right Reverend Sir, 

With great respect and regard, 

Your faithful servant, 

Josiah Pratt, > 
Sec'y Ch.Mis. Soc." \ 

Rt. Rev. ) 

Bishop Griswold. \ 

On the 3d of Feb. 1818, Mr. Pratt again wrote to the 
Bishop, informing him that the Society had sent the four pro- 
posed clergymen to Ceylon from England, and urging again 
the mission of Mr. Andrus from a Society of the Church in 



244 MEMOIR, &C. 

this country. Both these letters were answered by Bishop 
Griswold in the following, dated, 

" Bristol, (R. I.) November 16, 1820. 

"Rev. and dear Sir, — The dates of your last two letters 
of July 31st, 1817, and February 3d, 1818, both which, with 
the books, were duly received, remind me daily how long I 
have delayed the due acknowledgment of favors so very 
obliging and acceptable. Several things have contributed 
to this delay, which, if they do not wholly excuse, will at 
least account for it. Among these, one of the chief has 
been a hope continually cherished of being able to commu- 
nicate some progress, or at least favorable prospects, in the 
matter of forming the Society for Foreign Missions, so kindly 
recommended by the Church Missionary Society in England, 
and so much the subject of my own desire. Another cause 
of this delay has been the ill state of my health, which, for 
more than a year, has rendered it scarce practicable to attend 
to the more urgent and necessary concerns of the Diocese 
under my care. Through the goodness of God, I have 
been now, for several months, convalescent, and may hope 
for a complete restoration. 

" After the meeting of the General Convention of our 
Church early in May last, I wrote with the intention of giving 
you advice of what we had done ; but through some negli- 
gence the letter was never forwarded. Others wrote with 
the same intention, from whom, no doubt, you learned that 
the Convention in May last formed a Missionary Society, to 
be designated ; c The Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society 
in the United States for Foreign and Domestic Missions.' 
In compliance with the wishes of some individuals, Domestic 
Missions are embraced ; but the main object of its promo- 
ters is, the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts. 
What progress has been made in collecting funds I am unable 
to state. Should the Church Missionary Society think it 
fitting, and find it convenient, to extend to us the aid, which 
was once so liberally offered, it will be most thankfully ac- 
cepted. Mr. Andrus, whose zeal in the good cause is in 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 245 

no degree abated, has been engaged as a missionary and 
agent for the Colonization Society on the coast of Africa, for 
which field of labor he several weeks since departed. His 
labors, we trust, will be much aided and more useful by 
being conducted in concert with those of your Missionaries 
on the coast. 

" The publications of the Church Missionary Society do 
much honor to the Institution, and must be extensively use- 
ful. The Register contains much information, valuable as it 
is interesting. I have received the numbers of that work 
down to May, 1820, with the exception of five, of the year 
1818, from August to December inclusive, which by some 
mistake or accident have not come. The reports of the So- 
ciety and its proceedings sufficiently evince the wisdom, 
piety and zeal of its members ; and the success, which has 
attended its efforts, is a gratifying evidence that your Society 
takes the very first rank among the many blessed charities, 
by which the Lord is doing His work. From the sure word 
of prophecy, and the evident signs of the times, we are au- 
thorized in the belief, that the wonderful exaltation of the 
British Empire is, in the gracious purposes of God's Provi- 
dence, intended to facilitate the extension of the Redeemer's 
kingdom. The design of Providence, we may trust, is, that 
those fleets, which distribute through the world the various 
productions of nature and art, shall be freighted also with 
the richer treasures of heavenly knowledge, even of the Gos- 
pel of our salvation. From their various Societies for re- 
ligious and charitable objects, from their many and liberal 
contributions to every good enterprise, from the increasing 
disposition of various denominations of Christians to unite 
their efforts in propagating the faith of Christ, your people, 
we may believe, are not insensible how much it is in their 
power to accomplish in the spread of pure Christianity, and 
what obligations are attached to their pre-eminence among 
the nations of the earth. 

" To this country also the Lord is pleased to extend his 
blessings, both temporal and spiritual. He has many faith- 
ful laborers in this part of His vineyard, and His work, we 



246 MEMOIR, &C. 

trust, is still advancing. It is, however, not a little impeded 
by the prevalence of unsound doctrines in one part of these 
States, and of slavery in the other. The latter evil is evi- 
dently increasing. The pertinacity, with which so large a 
part of our citizens adhere to the slave-holding interest, 
precludes the hope of this country's soon becoming what it 
is so often and so absurdly called, ' a land of freedom.' The 
next State to be admitted into the Union has a constitution 
admitting negro slaves, but excluding those who are free. 
We have reason to bless God that there is at least one 
country on this globe, into which if a man steps his foot he 
is sure not to be a slave. 

"My gratitude is much engaged by your past favors. 
Any further communications will be most thankfully re- 
ceived. 

I remain, Rev. and dear Sir, 
Respectfully, 

Your friend and humble servant, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 
The Rev. Josiah Pratt, ? 
Sec. C. M. Society. ( 

" The above answer," says the Bishop, " was much cor- 
rected." But, in what the corrections consisted, I have no 
means of ascertaining ; I have therefore given it from the 
rough draft, which he left among his papers ; correcting only 
here and there an expression, which he had marked for cor- 
rection, and inserting the date in accordance with that 
assigned it in the Rev. Mr. Pratt's reply ; which is as fol- 
lows: 

" Church Missionary House, \ 
London, July 2d, 1821. \ 

" Right Rev. Sir, — I beg to acknowledge your favor of 
Nov. 16th, which reached us on the 12th ultimo, and to ex- 
press the satisfaction of the Committee at this kind commu- 
nication. 

" We were apprized of the formation of ' the Protestant 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 247 

Episcopal Missionary Society in the United States for Foreign 
and Domestic Missions, by Bishop White and Mr. Boyd, 
and we have already communicated to them the congratula- 
tions of our Committee on this auspicious event. 

" Our Committee will have much pleasure in affording to 
your newly formed Society that friendly aid, which was 
offered in my letter to you of July the 31st, 1817. I write by 
this post to Mr. Boyd to apprize him, that he is authorized to 
draw on me for .£200 sterling, to promote the effective es- 
tablishment of the Society. 

" We have received advices from our missionaries in 
Sierra Leone to the date of the 31st of March. At that 
period, Mr. Andrus and his fellow laborers had arrived. It 
was suggested to them, by our friends in the Colony, that a 
spot in the Bassa Country, Cape Messurado, or St. John's 
River, each of which places is about 400 miles from Sierra 
Leone, would be a more eligible point for establishing them- 
selves than one nearer the Colony. This advice has, we 
understand, been followed ; and your Colonists have proceed- 
ed to that part of the coast, accompanied by William Tam- 
bah, and William Davies, two Christian Negroes from Re- 
gent's Town, acquainted with the coast and with the chiefs, 
to act as interpreters, and to afford such other assistance as 
may be in their power, in forming the new settlement. 

" We are happy to find that the Missionary Register is so 
acceptable to yourself and the other friends of religion in 
America. We hope that you receive it regularly ; as it is 
forwarded to Mr. Boyd monthly for the use of yourself and 
the other members of the Episcopal body. The numbers 
from August to December, 1818, inclusive, which you state 
to be deficient in your set of the Register, are forwarded in 
Mr. Boyd's last parcel. 

I remain, Right Rev. Sir, 

With much respect and esteem, 
Your faithful servant, 

Josiah Pratt." 
To the Right Rev. Bishop Griswold. 



248 MEMOIR, &C. 

The correspondence, which I have thus given, has much 
interest for the present work. It shews that the strong and 
decided stand, which Bishop Griswold took in favor of 
Missions, so early as his Charge of 1814, and its accompany- 
ing Pastoral Letter, was, in the Providence of God, if not 
the means, yet certainly one of the leading means, used in 
awakening our Church to the missionary work, and to her 
first Missionary Organization ; that this organization was 
originally an expression of interest in the work of Foreign 
Missions ; that, in the interest thus expressed, Bishop Gris- 
wold deeply shared ; that the Church Missionary Society 
evidently regarded his agency in our early Missionary move- 
ments as one of great importance ; that the first Foreign 
Missionary, ever sent from our Church, was brought forward 
on Bishop Griswold's suggestion and recommendation ; and 
that, in view of all these facts, it is not claiming too much 
for him to say, that, in his quiet, modest, unobtrusive way, 
he was among the very first of those truly evangelical men, 
who began themselves to breathe, and to communicate to 
others, that Missionary spirit, which is identical with the 
life of our Christianity, and which has ever since been gain- 
ing power in the mind of our Church. 

While on the subject of his foreign correspondence, it 
will be sufficient just to state, that at various periods, be- 
tween 1811 and 1824, he received letters from the Secre- 
taries of " the Church of England Tract Society," instituted 
in Bristol; of " the London Prayer Book and Homily Socie- 
ty ;" and of u the London Society for promoting Christianity 
among the Jews ;" accompanied in each case with full sets 
of their publications, and in one, with a valuable present of 
books ; in testimony of their regard for him, as one of the 
faithful servants of Christ in promoting the cause of true re- 
ligion in our American Episcopal Church. 

But to return to our proper place in the memoir ; the Bi- 
ennial Convention for the year 1816, was held at Windsor, 
Vermont ; and, the war being now ended, and Peace, with all 
its blessings, restored to the country, the Bishop's address 



CONVENTION AT WINDSOR, 1816. 249 

was full of accounts of newly awakened prosperity to the ex- 
ternal affairs of the Church. As the divine secret too of 
every thing truly prosperous in its outward condition, he re- 
corded, with a grateful heart, various instances, especially in 
Vermont and Rhode Island, in which God had, in a distin- 
guished manner, been doing His own work through the labors 
of his faithful ministers. Of one of these instances, perhaps 
the most important, he thus spoke : " The Church in Provi- 
dence," (St. John's,) "though of long standing, has become 
almost a new one by the renovating work of the Lord among 
them; it is now one of the largest in the Diocese." In 
Pawtucket, or North Providence, also, " true godliness was 
much increased. Many there had been awakened to the 
glorious truths and experienced the unspeakable comforts of 
the Saviour's Gospel." "In Middlebury" likewise, "it 
had pleased the Lord to pour out his spirit, and to awaken 
many to righteousness." While, from Fairfield, Sheldon 
and St. Albans, he had " the most pleasing intelligence. A 
considerable number of communicants had been added to 
those Churches ; and a spirit of serious inquiry, and awakened 
concern for the one thing needful, extensively prevailed in 
those parts." 

In this address is mentioned, one thing, which I have 
never seen elsewhere noticed. After the death of Bishop 
Jarvis, Bishop Griswold, it seems, had been, according to 
Canon, invited to perform Episcopal duties in the Diocese 
of Connecticut, and had accordingly made one tour for that 
purpose. These facts he thus recorded: 

"Since the last meeting of this Convention, being invited 
according to the directions of the 20th Canon, I have visited 
some of the Churches in Connecticut, and confirmed in Mid- 
dletown, Hartford and Warehouse Point, one hundred and 
thirty-one persons. I admitted Ezekiel Gear, and Reuben 
Sherwood, to the order of Deacons : and the Rev. B. G. 
Noble, A. Gear, Harry Croswell, and Aaron Humphrey, 
Deacons, were ordained Presbyters. I have heard, though 
not by any official notice, that the Churches in Connecticut 
have since placed themselves under the care of Bishop 



250 MEMOIR, &C. 

Hobart. The invitation previously given is, therefore, no doubt, 
revoked." 

This is probably the only notice, which Bishop Griswold 
ever took, whether in writing or in conversation, of an ap- 
parent want of official comity. If, as is implied in the above 
extract from the address, the Convention or Standing Com- 
mittee of Connecticut had, according to the Canon, invited 
Bishop Griswold to visit and perform Episcopal offices in 
that State, their breach of comity was most manifest. The 
clause in the Canon, which refers to this case, was in the 
following words : 

" The Bishop of any Diocese, State or District, may, on the 
invitation of the Convention, or Standing Committee*of the 
Church, in any State or Diocese where there is not a Bishop, 
visit and perform the Episcopal offices in that State, or part 
of the State, as the case may be : provision being made for 
defraying his expenses as aforesaid : and such State, or part of 
a State, shall be considered as annexed to the District or Dio- 
cese of such Bishop, until a Bishop is duly elected and conse- 
crated for such State or Diocese, or, until the invitation given 
by the Convention or Standing Committee be revoked." 

That Bishop Griswold, under this clause, considered the 
Diocese of Connecticut as having been provisionally and re- 
gularly annexed to his own, during the vacancy in the Epis- 
copate, occasioned by the death of Bishop Jarvis, there can, 
in view of what he recorded in his address of 1816, be no 
doubt. Whether the invitation to him was ever " revoked," 
or, if so, why he was not officially notified of its revocation, 
I have no means of knowing. Nor am I aware of the reason 
for the apparent change, which was made, of the provisional 
annexation of Connecticut from the Eastern Diocese to that 
of New York. It is true that the style of Episcopacy, which 
was springing up in the former, was somewhat new, and not 
fully in sympathy with the older state of things, which had 
become established in Connecticut and in the Dioceses 
further to the West and South. But whether this had any 
influence in producing the change can be known to those 
only, by whom that change was made. 



CONVENTION AT WINDSOR, 1816. 251 

In concluding his address for 1816, which was much 
fuller than either of its predecessors, the Bishop recommend- 
ed various practical measures for the increase of the already 
increasing prosperity of the Diocese. Amongst these measures, 
were a nursing of the funds in the hands of the corporation 
of " the Trustees of Donations," which he calls, " this Palla- 
dium of the Eastern Diocese ;" the formation of Missionary 
Societies ; the multiplication of Prayer-books ; and the fre- 
quent supply of vacant parishes by the settled clergy, " as a 
temporary relief" while the great want of clergy continued 
to be felt. 

In recommending the multiplication of Prayer-books, he 
remarked : "Next after the word and ministers of God, this 
is the best gift, which you can send. Its value and useful- 
ness are too well known in this Convention to require praise. 
Through the pious liberality of Christians of all denomina- 
tions, Bibles are dispensed to a large portion of those who 
are disposed to read them. Various Tracts also have been 
distributed in great abundance. But this Book of Common 
Prayer, second only to the Bible in its utility among us, is in 
many places scarcely to be obtained. Could measures be 
taken, either by gratuitous distribution, or by so dispersing 
cheap editions that all, who are disposed to purchase, may 
find them, it would be attended with extensive and salutary 
effects." 

It was this recommendation doubtless, in connexion with 
its motive, that led to the subsequent publication, under the 
auspices of the Massachusetts Episcopal Missionary Society, 
of that valuable stereotype edition of the Book of Common 
Prayer, so long in use, especially in the Eastern Diocese, 
but now in a great measure superceded by smaller and 
cheaper editions. 

The manner, in which he urged the last named charity, 
that of supplying vacant parishes with the frequent services 
of settled ministers, was characteristic of the man, and of the 
mode, in which he sought to infuse into his flock the benevo- 
lent spirit of the Gospel. 



252 MEMOIR, &C. 

"This," said he, "must be a painful sacrifice to a de- 
vout congregation, who delight in the worship of God ; but 
it is a sacrifice, which, if offered with a free will and a good 
heart, will be approved and accepted. Remember what are 
the great objects of our religion; not personal gratification, 
but to do good ; to promote the salvation of mankind, and 
extend the borders of the Redeemer's kingdom. It is lauda- 
ble in every Christian congregation to desire the regular and 
constant administration of the word and doctrine, and never 
needlessly to relinquish the comforts of the sanctuary. But, 
in this, as in other things, it is, in some cases, more blessed 
to give than to receive. While we enjoy a fulness of Gos- 
pel privileges, let us not forget those, who are totally desti- 
tute, who have no preaching, no divine service, no sacra- 
ments. To assist such, even in the way now proposed, may 
be as true Christian charity as to relieve the temporal wants 
of your suffering fellow-creatures. If, from good will towards 
men, and to extend the influence of the Gospel, Christians 
sometimes deny themselves the comfortable refreshments of 
God's house, it will, we need not doubt, be even more ac- 
ceptable to Him, and better promote their own salvation, 
than a rigid claim to all their privileges. In such case, our 
prayers should attend our minister in his labor of love." 

It may be doubted, whether many of his parishes and their 
ministers ever rose to that height of Christian charity, here 
recommended. But however this may be, the following 
extract from one of his letters will shew that, in one instance 
at least, his recommendation was not unheeded : 

"Bristol, March 18, 1817. 

"Rev. and dear Sir, 1 — Your favor of the 5th has been re- 
ceived, and it gives me no small pleasure to find your cares 
not confined to the flock under your immediate and more 
particular charge, but extended to the needy and destitute 
of other parts. Never, perhaps, since the apostle's days, has 
any body of clergy had more pressing calls for unusual exer- 
tions and labors, in season and out of season, than we in this 



LETTER TO THE REV. T. STRONG. 253 

Diocese. The harvest truly is great, and the laborers few. 
That the pecuniary encouragements to our laborers were 
more adequate to their necessary expenses, is much to be 
desired. But, as things are, we have the better opportunity 
to evince that our object is, not to shear the flock of Christ, 
but to feed it ; that we labor for him rather than for ourselves ; 
and that we truly confide in his promise to provide for those, 
who seek first his kingdom and righteousness. Let us, with 
faith and love, unite in the glorious work of his ministry, 
and be perfectly contented with the reward, which he will 
give. 

At this critical time, if we expect the Lord's blessing, and 
hope that our Church may prosper, we must none of us be 
selfish, but regard the general good. I hope, through the 
Lord's goodness, the time will soon arrive, when we can 
give more assistance and encouragement to that exemplary 
little flock in Montague. Their fidelity and perseverance, 
we trust, will yet be rewarded. * * * * 

* The chief question of a minister of Christ, (if he be 
truly such,) is, not where he shall be most pleasantly situa- 
ted, or obtain most honor to himself, but, where can he do 
most good ; where has the Lord called him ? May the Lord 
help us all to consider of these things. * * * * 
Accept for yourself the assurance of 
friendship and esteem, from 

Yours affectionately, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. Titus Strong. 

Early in the year 1818, the Bishop received very en- 
couraging accounts from the Church in Gardiner, Maine ; 
while, from Springfield, on the Connecticut, at the opening 
of the next year, came information, which promised to be 
favorable or unfavorable, according as the new state of things 
there should turn. It seems that, in the young society, which 
was springing up in that town, were several wealthy and 
influential Unitarians ; and it soon became a question, 
whether the new house of worship, to be erected there, should 



254 MEMOIR, &C. 

be for Unitarians or for Episcopalians ? This question was 
ultimately decided in favor of the former, and thus, the 
strength of the latter being inadequate to the work of build- 
ing a church for themselves, the prospects of Episcopacy in 
that place were for a considerable time put in check. In 
the event, however, I cannot doubt, the result has proved 
advantageous to our interests. A very flourishing parish has 
since been gathered there of more unmixed elements, and 
therefore with far better promise of permanent life and 
health. 

The Bishop's correspondence, at this period, carries distinct 
indications of the progress, which the friends of our General 
Theological Seminary, were making in the endowment of 
that Institution. An agency for the collection of funds, in 
every part of the Church in the United States, was contem- 
plated ; and two of the most eminent presbyters in our com- 
munion, Drs. How and Jarvis, were appointed to this agency 
in the Diocese of Bishop Griswold. Unforeseen, and in 
some respects extraordinary events, however, -defeated this 
part of the movement; and little, if anything, was its result. 
The favorite plan of the Bishop of the Diocese of New York, 
had originally been to organize and endow a Diocesan Semi- 
nary, under his own control ; but the force of providential 
circumstances gave it a general character, and threw it, at 
least nominally, under the control of the General Conven- 
tion. Nevertheless, by the principle, adopted into the con- 
stitution of the Seminary, of giving to each Diocese a num- 
ber of Trustees bearing a certain proportion to the funds con- 
tributed by each, as well as by the fact of its present actual 
location, its practical control, has fallen as really within the 
Diocese of New York, as it would have done had it been 
made a professedly Diocesan Institution. And, under the 
principle adopted, this is certainly equitable. If to the wis- 
dom of the Church it seemed good to make money the mea- 
sure of a right to govern the Institution, then, clearly, the 
Diocese, which pays most, has a right to govern most ; and 
if it should happen that one Diocese contributes all, or nearly 
all the funds, then, as clearly, that Diocese has a right to all, 



EFFORT FOR THE GEN. THEOL, SEM. 255 

or virtually all, the governing in the Institution so endowed. 
Still, it is easy to see how this principle may entirely defeat 
the object in view, in making it a general instead of a Dio- 
cesan Institution ; and how, in the actual working of the 
present case, we have been brought to this result, that, what 
ever may become the theology of New York, we have an 
insurance that such, so far as a general Seminary can have 
influence, shall become the theology of the Protestant Epis- 
copal Church in the United States of America. Our destiny 
as a Church, is now practically in the hands of our General 
Theological School ; and as God shall be pleased to govern 
that, and the influences which shape its ends, so shall we be 
most likely to be governed in whatever involves our spiritual 
life and health. 

At the close of the year 1818, the question of consecrating 
a Bishop for the new Diocese of Ohio occupied the minds of 
the Bishops already consecrated ; and, some opposition to the 
candidate elect being made, he addressed a letter to his old 
friend, Bishop Griswold, earnestly soliciting a visit from the 
latter to Philadelphia, where the candidate then was, await- 
ing the result of measures either for, or against, his consecra- 
tion. A copy of the reply of Bishop Griswold lies before 
me; and as it carries so much of its author's mind, and 
shews so much of his relations to the general body of the 
Church ; and especially as the character of the first Bishop 
of Ohio has been so long and so favorably known through- 
out our communion ; I yield to the inducement, which I 
feel, to spread that reply on the present pages : 

"Bristol, Nov. 16, 1818. 
"Rev. and dear Sir, — I have the pleasure of receiving 
your two letters, one from Zanesville and the other from 
Philadelphia. Having just returned from one journey, and 
being very much engaged in preparing for another, I have 
but little time to write on the important subject of your con- 
secration. Happily, however, this is of no great conse- 
quence. There is no other of our Bishops so little able as 



256 MEMOIR, &C. 

myself, though none, I trust, are more willing, to give you 
advice, or aid in this business. 

" Your two letters, with one from my brother in Worth- 
ington, bring me nearly all the information of it that I have 
had. I am rarely consulted upon any subject concerning 
the general interests of our Church ; know little of what is 
doing beyond the limits of my own Diocese ; and beyond 
those limits my influence is little or nothing. Our ecclesias- 
tical affairs are managed by wiser heads, and I hope by bet- 
ter hearts. My regard for the Church, and sincere friend- 
ship for yourself, will certainly induce me to do any thing 
and every thing, proper and practicable, to facilitate the busi- 
ness of your ordination. But, what is proper and what is 
practicable, I am yet to learn ; and I should feel much anxie- 
ty, did I not know that you are with those, who are far bet- 
ter qualified to advise and to do whatever is necessary or 
expedient. I learned from my brother that, in JYew Jersey, 
your testimonials were not signed. From your letters I in- 
fer that, in some other states, there is a like hesitancy. What 
is the reason of their demurrer, I know not. Certainly I had 
never a thought of its being what you intimate in your last. 
I have no recollection of having heard any thing reported to 
the injury of your moral character. 

" My going to Philadelphia during the approaching winter, 
were it necessary, would be exceedingly inconvenient. 
Since the first of June, I have been a great part of the time 
absent from my parish, much to its injury, and much to the 
neglect of some necessary studies ; to say nothing of my 
family, whom I am compelled painfully to neglect. To- 
morrow, if the Lord will, I am to commence another journey. 
After my return in December, I have, by appointment, some 
ordinations and other business of the Diocese to attend. As 
the Church here increases, so of course do the cares of the 
Episcopate. But I see no necessity for my going thither. 
Bishop White, with the assistance of others in his vicinity, 
has invariably now for many years performed our consecra- 
tions. A deviation from this usage in your case would have 



LETTER TO THE REV. P. CHASE, &C. 257 

a novel appearance. There are, indeed, some reasons of 
serious consideration, why it would be better that I should 
not be present at your consecration. My approbation, my 
good wishes, my prayers, though unworthy to be heard, you 
certainly have. Permit me, however, to add the expression 
of my regret, that you should feel any other anxiety in this 
business, than apprehension of the extreme cares and awful 
responsibility of the office, which you are about to assume. 
Such, at least, are my own feelings and sense of the thing. 
It is yet almost my daily fear that I did wrong in accepting 
this office. If there are difficulties, or obstacles in the way 
of your ordination, wait with patience, (my advice is) and 
with entire resignation, till the Lord shall remove them. In 
such cases, He will open the right way, and perhaps better 
without our concern than with it. If it be the Lord's will 
to commit to your trust this ministry, you must bid adieu to 
temporal ease and worldly happiness ; but, for your comfort, 
you will know who has said ; ' If a man desire the office of 
a Bishop, he desireth a good work? Should it appear, 
however, that the Lord has not called you to this work, you 
may well rejoice in escaping its cares and responsibleness. 
Or, should the Church deem it expedient, that the consecra- 
tion be postponed till the next meeting of the General Con- 
vention, that will soon arrive. The time is but little longer 
than I, in a like situation, gladly waited, and had that time 
been doubled, should have thought it short enough in pre- 
paring for such a work. 

" But do not suppose me forgetful that I am writing to one 
who, much better than myself, can judge of these things. 
That the Lord may preserve and direct you, and bless your 
pious labors to His great glory and the building up of the 
Redeemer's kingdom, is the devout and humble prayer of 
Your friend and brother, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. Philander Chase. 

The Biennial Convention of the Eastern Diocese met, this 
year, in Greenfield, and transacted its ordinary business. But 



258 MEMOIR, &C. 

the Bishop's address, instead of being, like its predecessors, 
recorded in the Manuscript Journals, was ordered to be 
printed. 

In this address, the Bishop notices, among many other 
things, his correspondence with the Secretary of the Church 
Missionary Society in England ; the steps, which had been 
taken, to encourage the formation in this country of an Epis- 
copal Foreign Missionary Society : and the fact that its for- 
mation, at that time, had been deemed by our Bishops and 
clergy " inexpedient and even impracticable." 

He also enumerates some of the hindrances to the growth 
of our Church in the Eastern Diocese ; in doing which, his 
remarks are so illustrative of the history of this period of his 
Episcopate, that I cannot do better than to transcribe them : 

"Among our peculiar discouragements may well be 
reckoned, as not the least, the remote situation of our 
churches, which are thinly scattered over a large extent of 
country, rendering it inconvenient for our clergy to convene. 
Such, too, is the constitution of this Diocese, that a part of 
them have no seat in its Convention. In every other Dio- 
cese of the United States, the whole of the clergy are ac- 
customed annually to assemble, and for several days, in 
council with the lay-delegates, to apply themselves to such 
business, and to the devising of such measures, as the good 
of their Churches and the interests of religion may require. 
With us, but few assemble, and those few but for a short 
time. Of course, our clergy are too little acquainted ; their 
labors and efforts not sufficiently systematic, and in unison ; 
and at our Conventions but little is done. I mention this, 
the rather as an apology for not oftener delivering such 
Charges as our Canons require. Could I meet, in greater 
numbers, my respected brethren of the sacred ministry, I 
should, the Lord permitting, more frequently, though with 
much diffidence, perform that duty. 

" Another and more serious difficulty, under which we 
still labor, is the almost total want of Missionary funds. It 
is to be feared, or rather it cannot be denied, that no other 
body of Christians in the United States is so inattentive to 



CONVENTION AT GREENFIELD, 1818. 259 

this important thing as ourselves. The consequence is, what 
I have formerly more than once stated, and what it is my 
painful duty again to repeat, that many of our brethren are 
still suffering ' a famine of hearing the Word of God ;' and 
that the present increase of our Churches is but a part of 
what, had we been more zealous, it probably would have 
been. Our Easter collections are annually about three 
hundred dollars : i But, what are these among so many ?' 

"Another impediment to the increase of our Churchinthe.se 
Eastern States, is the constant and very great emigration of 
its members to other parts of the country. This may be 
favourable to the general cause of religion ; the seeds of the 
Gospel may thus be wafted to distant parts, and the borders 
of Zion be enlarged : but, in estimating the comparative 
growth and prosperity of our Churches, it is necessary that 
this be brought into consideration. In those States, where 
there is a great influx and rapid increase of population, except 
the Church increase in proportion, it indeed declines. But, 
in these States, from which so many of our members, both 
ministers and people, are constantly removing, if our num- 
bers are kept good, our Churches are prosperous. 

" Considering, then, the peculiar difficulties attending our 
labors ; our own culpable deficiency in missionary zeal, and 
what numbers of our brethren have migrated, we have the 
more abundant reason to bless God for our present prosperity. 
I should judge, that at a moderate estimate, the old Churches, 
of which seven years ago, this Diocese consisted, have since 
doubled the number of their communicants ; besides the ad- 
dition of fifteen or twenty Churches, (many of them indeed 
yet small,) which are new. And, what is much more pleas- 
ing, there is good reason to believe, that the increase of 
piety and true godliness has been equally great. Not, unto 
us, but unto God be the praise." 

The truth of the above paragraphs is as evident, as it was 
important to the judgment, which the Bishop was then seek- 
ing to form in the minds of the Convention, on the subject of 
the comparative growth of the Diocese. The work of filling 
one vessel, from which a stream flows at the bottom, is very 



260 MEMOIR, &C. 

different from that of filling another vessel, which receives 
what flows from the former, and retains all that it receives 
from a twofold source of supply. 

There are other portions of the address for 1818, which 
are full of interest ; but the above is of chief importance to 
this history. 

The only action of this Convention, worthy of special 
notice, consisted in the adoption of the following resolution: 

" Whereas, different opinions prevail respecting the moral 
and religious tendency of public balls and other fashionable 
amusements, it is hereby unanimously resolved, as the sense 
of this Convention ; that the following resolution of the house 
of Bishops respecting them be published with the address of 
our Diocesan to his clergy, and that it be earnestly com- 
mended to the serious and obedient attention of professing 
Christians." 

" The house of Bishops, solicitous for the preservation of 
the purity of the Church and the piety of its members, are in- 
duced to impress upon the clergy the important duty, with a 
discreet, but earnest zeal, of warning the people of their re- 
spective cures of the danger of an indulgence in those world- 
ly pleasures, which may tend to withdraw the affections from 
spiritual things. And especially on the subject of gaming, 
of amusements involving cruelty to the brute creation, and 
of theatrical representations, to which some peculiar circum- 
stances have called their attention, they do not hesitate to 
express their unanimous opinion that these amusements, as 
well from their licentious tendency, as from the strong temp- 
tations to vice, which they afford, ought not to be frequented. 
And the Bishops cannot refrain from expressing their deep 
regret at the information that, in some of our large cities, so 
little respect is paid to the feelings of the members of the 
Church, that theatrical representations are fixed for the even- 
ings of her most solemn festivals." 

This resolution expresses the sense of the Eastern Diocese 
on a most important subject; and yet it is evident that the 
whole practical value of the expression depends on the 
clergy , who are therein exhorted to impress that subject on 



LETTER TO MR. A. L. BAURY. 261 

the minds of their people, especially of the communicants of 
their parishes. Few of these ever read the warnings of the 
house of Bishops, or the resolutions of Conventions. In vain, 
therefore, are those warnings sounded, and those resolutions 
passed, if the clergy, either from the fear of man, or from a 
too indulgent feeling towards any of the condemned amuse- 
ments, neglect the duty, which rests on them, or preach a 
Gospel, which tolerates practices corrupting to the purity of 
the Church, and destructive of the piety of its members. 

In addition to what I have given from the Bishop's ad- 
dress for this year, I insert the following extract of a letter, 
as furnishing a practical view of the manner in which he al- 
ways devoted himself to the service of his Diocese. The 
gentleman, to whom it was addressed, was Mr. Baury, after- 
wards the faithful Rector of St. Mary's, Newton. He was 
then laboring as candidate and lay-reader at Guilford, Vt. 

"Bristol, Dec. 16,1818. 

" Dear Sir, — Your favor of the 8th instant arrived yester- 
day. We are much obliged to you for the information, 
which it contains, and rejoice and bless God for the success, 
given to your labors in that place. * * * * 
***** After some deliberation, I have 
postponed the appointment of the day for consecrating the 
Church, till I hear from you again. As travelling, especially 
in stages, in the winter, when the weather is cold and the 
nights long, is inconvenient to people advanced in life, my 
calculation has been to spend the winter in my study and the 
duties of my parish. I have now, a very few days since, 
finished my journeyings,, which have been more than usual 
the past season, and am about engaging in some necessary 
studies : to which I may well add, that my expenses this 
year have, to the amount of some hundreds of dollars, over- 
run my scanty income ; and it will be somewhat difficult for 
me immediately to obtain the means of defraying the expense 
of this proposed new journey. Yet, if it is judged to be of 
sufficient importance, and will probably conduce to the build- 
ing up of the Church in Guilford, I will not hesitate at all, 



262 MEMOIR, &C. 



but, if the Lord permit, will visit y©u this winter. I would 
prefer, for several reasons, that it be deferred till February 
at least ; but if that be thought too late, I will endeavor to be 
with you sooner. Please to write me, soon as you can, 
what is thought expedient ; and I particularly desire that no 
regard to my convenience should induce any dereliction of 
the interests of religion." ****** 

The remainder of the letter is a brief notice, by way of 
answer to some parts of Mr. Olds' book against the Church ; 
especially those parts, in which he objected to the formula, 
sometimes used at our ordinations, " receive the Holy Ghost, 
&c. ;" and to our practice in the declaration of absolution. 
His answers on these points are sententious and conclusive ; 
though they would not class him among those, who have 
since learned their theology from Dr. Pusey. 

To shew his sincerity in offering to visit Guilford in the 
winter, notwithstanding the strong reasons urged for delay, 
upon receiving a further communication from Mr. Baury, he 
fixed the time for the proposed consecration in February; 
adding : " It will not be best that any one should go all the 
way from Guilford to Boston on my account only. It is bet- 
ter that I should be in the cold a few hours, than another 
person for several days." 

He would, doubtless, have been glad so to arrange his 
Episcopal visitations, as to make them all fall in the summer 
and autumn of each year ; and he did so arrange them as 
far as it was practicable to do it. And yet, he always held 
himself ready to go, whenever and wherever he was per- 
suaded good would result to the cause of religion and the 
Church. Facts to this point are abundant. So earnest was 
he to secure every promised advantage, and so fearful lest 
any interest of the cause should suffer from his neglect, that 
neither distance of place, nor inclemency of season ; neither 
enfeebled strength, nor exhausted purse ; neither fondness 
for home, nor love of study could detain him from the scene 
of invited labor and of promised usefulness ; whether the 
call were to confirm, or to ordain ; to lay a corner stone, or 
to consecrate a Church. 



t BOSTON. 263 

During the year 1819, a work was in progress, which, 
in its completion and subsequent results, added greatly to 
the active strength of the Diocese. It was the building of 
St. Paul's Church, Boston. In 1817 an effort had been 
made by the Rev. G. S. White and his friends to organize a 
new parish under that name ; but its origin and object were 
quite distinct from those of the present St. Paul's. It origi- 
nated in the agency of Mr. White, and its object was to ac- 
commodate that portion of the resident English in Boston, 
who were attached to the Church of their fathers, and such 
others as would naturally fall in with them, but who were 
not able to take pews in the old and more expensive 
churches. It was a most commendable object; and, had it 
been attained, might have been a rich blessing to the city. 
But the enterprise failed, and its projector, having fallen 
into troubles, which finally ended in his abandonment of 
the labors of the ministry, removed from Massachusetts into 
Connecticut. His troubles consisted in long and exciting 
litigations with George Brinley, Esq., of Boston, and with 
Col. Putnam of Brooklyn, near Pomfret, Connecticut : and 
whatever may have been the original merits, or demerits of 
his cause, it was at least managed in such a temper, and with 
such results, as proved ruinous to his prospects of usefulness 
in the Church ; — while, in its progress, it brought not a little 
of discomforting trial upon the peace-loving Bishop, under 
whose favor he had come forward in the ministry. 

But, the present St. Paul's, Boston, originated with seve- 
ral wealthy and highly respectable gentlemen of the old 
parish of Trinity Church, associating with themselves others 
of similar standing and influence in society ; and its object 
was to meet a demand, which had for some time been felt 
in Boston, for the growth of the main body of our Church 
in that city. Among the original proprietors in this new 
parish were such men as John Amory, Dudley A. Tyng, 
Stephen Codman, Wm. Appleton, Dr. Warren, David 
Sears, George Sullivan and Daniel Webster ; and although, 
in the sight of God, great names are as little names, yet has 
it pleased Him, through the instrumentality of such, to 



264 MEMOIR, &C. 

bring into action and influence a most important parish, 
which has more and more distinctly taken its stand as a 
supporter of the best spiritual interests of our Church ; — in 
which wealth, station and rich intellectual resources have, 
we trust, become consecrated in growing measures to the 
service of Christ and his cause ; — and through which many- 
choice blessings, we may hope, will long continue to flow 
not only upon feebler parishes in the Diocese, but even to 
the wide ends of the earth. Their new and noble church 
edifice was consecrated in 1820, under the Rectorship of 
the Rev. Dr. Jarvis, previously of New York. 

Measures having been taken for receiving the District of 
Maine into the Union as an independent State, the principal 
of our clergy and laity there began, at the same time, to 
move in the business of organizing a separate Convention 
of our Church in the State, and of representing themselves 
in our approaching General Convention. In this movement 
the parishes in Portland and Gardiner were chiefly active, 
the latter of which was rapidly growing into importance, 
and expected soon to have their new and beautiful stone 
church ready for consecration. 

Agreeably to the direction of the Bishop, the primary 
Convention of oar Church in the State of Maine was held 
in Brunswick, on the 3d day of May, 1820. At this Con- 
vention, a constitution was adopted, Canons enacted, rules 
of order passed, delegates to the approaching General Con- 
vention appointed, — and a Standing Committee chosen : — 
and although, at the organization of the Eastern Diocese, 
Maine constituted a part of the State of Massachusetts, and 
was therefore included within the original limits of Bishop 
Griswold's jurisdiction, yet, as it now became politically 
a separate and independent State, it seems to have been 
taken for granted, by this primary Convention, that it had 
also become ecclesiastically separate and independent of the 
Eastern Diocese ; and therefore a vote was passed, by 
which the Bishop was " requested to exercise Episcopal ju- 
risdiction over the Churches" in Maine ; and thus this State 
was considered as " annexed to the Eastern Diocese." 



REMARK ON THE SEPARATION OF MAINE. 265 

To the present writer, this appears to have been a needless 
formality. Had the District of Maine seceded from our 
national union, and erected itself into an independent 
foreign nation, or annexed itself to the foreign British pro- 
vinces on the north, its act would have severed its original 
connexion with the Eastern Diocese ; just as our Declaration 
of Independence, by making these States a new nation 
foreign to Great Britain, cut the bond of our ecclesiastical 
union with the Church of England, and left us beyond the 
jurisdiction of her Bishops. But why the erection of the 
District of Maine into a separate State under the same na- 
tional government, to whose law it had been previously sub- 
ject, should be considered as effecting its severance from 
the Eastern Diocese, of which it was originally a part, so 
as to render necessary its formal annexation to that ecclesi- 
astical body ; or as leaving it beyond the limits of an Epis- 
copal jurisdiction, within which it had been previously em- 
braced, so as to render it necessary formally to place itself 
under that jurisdiction ; — the present writer is unable to con- 
ceive. This question, however, so far as the parties then 
in action are concerned, is now of no importance. Like 
all others, once affecting the constitution of the Eastern 
Diocese, it has passed away with an organization, which 
originally looked to a succession in its Bishopric, but which, 
through its own subsequent action, became dissolved by the 
fact of its first Bishop's demise. It is sufficient to add here, 
in the words of Bishop Griswold, that the " Delegates, sent 
from Maine to the General Convention, were received, and 
their proceedings recognized and approved ;" — that, 
" agreeably to their request, they were annexed to the East- 
ern Diocese ;" that, at the Biennial Convention of this Dio* 
cese in September following, it was proposed, that its con- 
stitution be so altered as to make the Diocese consist of Jive 
States instead of four ; and that this simple alteration of 
the constitution was apparently all that the erection of Maine 
into an independent State originally rendered necessary. 

The principal action of this Biennial Convention consisted 
in this proposed alteration of its constitution ; in taking the 

z 



266 MEMOIR, &C 



first step towards making its meetings annual ; — and in re- 
commending the General Theological Seminary to the pe- 
cuniary patronage of the Diocese. 

The Bishop met his Convention this year, as he says in 
his address, " under some circumstances of peculiar disad- 
vantage." He alludes to the very dangerous and protracted 
illness of nine months, through which he had been passing, 
and to the peculiarly engrossing nature of his other engage- 
ments ; in consequence of both which circumstances, he 
had been unable to perform that amount of Episcopal duty, 
and to render that full account of his Episcopal acts, which 
had been customary in former years, and at former Conven- 
tions. To these circumstances of his dangerous illness, and 
his other engrossing cares, I shall have occasion again to 
refer, when I come to review his parochial and domestic life 
during the period now under examination. For the present, 
therefore, I pass them without further remark. His address, 
notwithstanding his apology for its deficiencies, was an inte- 
resting document, and breathes the growingly devout and 
devoted spirit, which was so evidently spreading through 
his own soul. 

Besides the details of his address, it contains several pas- 
sages of such peculiar interest, as illustrations of his charac- 
ter and views, that I am tempted to transfer some of them 
to these pages. Lamenting the indifference to the cause of 
Missions, which he still found in his Diocese, he thus 
pleads : 

" When shall we perform the work of propagating his 
faith, which the Saviour requires ? In every State, should 
be a Missionary Society, encouraged by every parish, and 
supported by every Churchman. He, who cannot give one 
dollar, if such there be, should give a cent, or a mite : let 
him shew that he loves the Lord, regards His Word, and de- 
sires to build up His kingdom." * * * * 



* * "It would seem that the soil of the 

Eastern Diocese is peculiarly unfavorable to Missionary 



BIENNIAL ADDRESS FOR 1820. 267 

Societies." ******** 
* * * * " The apology, which is usually 
made, for not asking the people to contribute is, that the 
parishes are poor, and their burthens already heavy : facts, 
which we well know and sensibly feel. But this excuse, 
as I conceive, is founded on a misapprehension of what is 
required. It is not enjoined upon any parish, or individual, 
to contribute any thing but what can be given with conve- 
nience, and with i a willing mind.' It is required only that 
our people may have an opportunity to give. In the poorest 
parish there may be a few persons, who are able, and wil- 
ling, and desirous to contribute something to this most im- 
portant and charitable object. ***** 
We know that many of our people contribute to the pro- 
pagation of the Gospel by other sects, who would more 
gladly give, if, with even less importunity, they were called 
on by the clergy of our own communion. Should it by 
any be said, that the sum, like to be collected, will be so 
small that they are ashamed to present it, let such reflect on 
the impiety of thus dishonoring our Divine Master, and 
neglecting his work, through fear of bringing discredit on 
ourselves ? Is it thus we take his cross, and bear his re- 
proach ? Permit me, my clerical brethren, to ask, whether 
we are not the chief delinquents in this thing ; we, who 
ought to lead in every measure, which will spread the faith 
of the Eflessed Saviour, and build up his kingdom ? Are 
not the people more ready to give for this noble purpose, 
than we to ask ? Are we duly mindful of our Lord's com- 
mand to preach his Gospel to every creature ?" 

"With similar earnestness and point, he proceeded to urge 
the claims of our General Missionary Society, which had 
then recently been organized ; using language, which no one 
can read, and yet suppose him to have been indifferent to 
the cause of Missions, whether in their Foreign, or in their 
Domestic field. 

Our General Theological Seminary had then been auspi- 
ciously opened at New Haven, and, as it was supposed, per- 
manently fixed in that city ; he therefore proceeded to com- 



268 memoir, &c. 

mend it to the patronage of his Diocese, and to urge various 
strong and convincing reasons, why that location was to be 
preferred to New York. The Pastoral letter also of the 
house of Bishops for 1820, had just then appeared, enjoin- 
ing upon all the members of our Church due regard to our 
system of "Evangelical doctrine:" "the fall of man from 
original righteousness ; the consequent depravity of his na- 
ture ; his utter inability, by any act of his own, to recover 
from the privations of the apostacy ; and that most essential 
truth, resulting from the preceding, that " we are accounted 
righteous before God, only for the merits of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith, and not of our own works or 
deservings." This system, therefore, he urged on the atten- 
tion of his clergy as one, who knew well of what he spake, 
and who spake as one who felt, that the doctrines, which 
he urged, were of unchangeable importance to the life of the 
Church. The cause of the Sunday Schools next received a 
passing commendation ; after which he proceeded to touch 
upon a topic, which has as much interest for the present, and 
is likely to have as much for the future, as it had for the 
time, in which he then lived. A religious periodical, called ; 
Ci The Churchman's Repository for the Eastern Diocese ;" 
had lately appeared at Newburyport, which, upon Dr. 
Jarvis' settlement as Rector of St. Paul's, was soon removed 
to Boston, and took the name of; " The Gospel Advocate.' 5 
After alluding to this fact, and to the great utility of such 
periodicals, rightly conducted, he continued, as if with a 
foresight of what was to follow, and in language, which 
ought still to be sounded in our ears, to say : 

" Permit me, then, to recommend, that this work betaken 
by our people throughout this Diocese; and that all, who 
are able and willing in this way to do good, will contribute 
to enrich its pages by judicious and valuable communica- 
tions. Permit me, however, to add, that, in my decided 
opinion, a work of this kind, to do much good and obtain 
the patronage of the pious, must have for its chief object the 
glory of God in the salvation of men : to shew the sinner the 
sure foundation of hope in Christ, and what he must do to 



DECAYED PARISHES. 269 

be saved. A knowledge of God, of their Saviour, and of 
themselves is what all men most need ; and serious people 
will prefer, and they ought to prefer, those religious publica- 
tions, which will make them wise unto salvation ; which 
tend most directly and most powerfully to produce in their 
heart and life that faith and that holiness, without which 
they cannot be justified nor ' see the Lord.' Let us also 
be careful to manifest a spirit of candor, charity and Chris- 
tian love. The best evidence that we are indeed Christians, 
is, loving those, who love the Lord Jesus. We had never 
surely more occasion for the exercise of forbearance ; but 
though we are reviled, let us not revile again ; but, as much 
as lieth in us, live peaceably with all men." 

Were he now alive, he could not utter better, or more 
necessary advice to either the editors, or the patrons of our 
religious periodicals. 

I have already spoken of the weak and decayed state of 
several of the parishes of the Diocese. Over these the Bishop 
watched with anxious fidelity, and with varying feelings, as 
the flame of their reviving life now shot up heavenward, and 
now sunk again almost to extinction. Perhaps in none of 
them were these alternations more frequent, or more marked, 
than in those of Portland and Marblehead. Certainly none 
of them ever called forth a letter more truly characteristic of 
the Bishop than that, which he addressed to the Rev. Mr. 
Carlile, on the subject of a proposed alienation of the Church 
property in the latter of those two parishes. Its members in 
1821 had become reduced to a very small number, and 
were utterly disheartened ; while, at the same time, a new 
Congregational Society was rising in the town, and were de- 
sirous of purchasing the lot and building of the Episcopal 
parish ; a majority of whose members were found willing to 
sell. The case was subsequently carried up to the legisla- 
ture of the State, on a petition, as nearly as I can learn, for 
permission, or power, to effect the proposed alienation. The 
prayer of the petition, however, was not granted ; being op- 
posed there by as firm a resistance as that, with which it met 



270 MEMOIR, &C. 

when the case wasjirst referred to the Bishop for his advice. 
His manful stand will be seen in his letter to Mr. Carlile. 

" Bristol, January 11, 1821. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — It was not till yesterday, P. M., 
that I received your favor of the 5th instant. Its subject is 
painful indeed ; yet most sincerely do I render you grateful 
acknowledgments for the interest you take in the Church at 
Marblehead, and for acquainting me with its melancholy 
situation. 

" With regard to the question, whether its few remaining 
friends shall dispose of their pews for the purpose stated, 
without pretending to interfere with their legal right to do it, 
and without expressing or feeling any hostility, or opposition 
to the proposed new Society, I cannot for a moment hesitate 
in giving my decided disapprobation. If that Church, of so 
many years standing, is to be abandoned and given up ; and 
its property, which has been piously devoted to its sacred use, 
is to be alienated ; it must be done without my consent. I can 
never advise or consent to such a measure. Suppose the 
worst ; that the Church there will never be revived ; shall 
the clergy, its guardians and protectors, hasten its dissolution ? 
Shall the physician murther the patient, whom he despairs of 
healing ? But, are we sure that the Church in Marblehead 
will never be revived ? Have we no faith in the power and 
providence of God ? Four years ago, the Church in Port- 
land was more hopeless : and now they support a worthy and 
pious minister. If all of the present generation should for- 
sake that Church, who knows what zeal God may awaken 
in that which is to succeed ? God often tries our faith by 
shewing us the folly of human wisdom, and the weakness of 
human means. A zealous, praying people He never did, 
and never will, forsake. Let us consider why it is, that the 
Lord removes the candlesticks from his Churches ; because 
we lose our first love ; because we are cold in our religious 
affection, and serve the world more than our God. Let us, 
with united, humble hearts, and with fervent persevering 



THE BISHOP FIRM, YET YIELDING. 271 

zeal, look to the Lord our God, and He will return in 
mercy. 

" Besides ; have we reason to believe, that converting our 
Churches into Congregational Societies is likely, in the end, 
to resist the errors of the day 9 I respect our Congregational 
brethren, and, T trust, sincerely esteem them in the Lord. 
But, who does not know, that their inefficient system has 
given facility to the introduction of those errors ? What 
Church is so likely to withstand them as ours ? What would 
cause greater joy to the supporters of those errors, than to see 
all our Churches given up in the same w T ay ? 

" With respect to Mr. Shaw's going to Salem, I very much 
approve of your view of the subject; and your remarks upon 
it are so judicious, that I can do no better than to request 
you to conduct the business as you shall approve, and as Mr. 
Shaw shall agree. ******* 

■Iv W <v 

Accept the assurance of 

my friendship and esteem, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 
Rev. Thomas Carlile. 

There, is an insight into the Bishop's real character ; an 
insight not often obtained, because modesty and humility 
made him yielding, or conciliating in matters of indifference, 
or of his own mere personal convenience ; an insight, for 
want of which his character was often misunderstood and 
mis-stated ; an insight, which shews, that when matters of 
principle, of conscience, of duty, were concerned, he was 
decision, firmness, inflexibility itself. Let such a matter 
come in what shape it would, though hemmed in with diffi- 
culty, and dark with discouragement, it moved him not at 
all. He knew how to hope, when all others feared ; to be- 
lieve, when all others doubted ; to draw encouragement out 
of discouragement ; and to hold fixedly on God, though 
nought on earth was holding with him. 

An incident occurred about this time, which illustrates his 
character in its yielding, conciliating aspect. I have already 



272 MEMOIR, &C 



related the circumstances, which formerly defeated his wishes 
and plans, and those of his parishioners, for a new Church 
edifice in Bristol; and the readiness, with which he ac- 
quiesced in the determination to continue still in their old 
and inconvenient building. Under the great increase of his 
parish, the discomforts of this continued to be increasingly 
felt, and to prompt the unceasing and the growing wish for 
a better Church. On one of his tours, when consecrating a 
new edifice for a small parish in New Hampshire, he recorded 
this sentiment ; " I have often wondered why it is, that there 
is scarcely a parish in my Diocese, however weak, that can- 
not succeed in building a new Church, except my own." 
This year, his feelings and those of his parishioners prompted 
a new effort ; and being on a New Hampshire tour, he ad- 
dressed a letter to one of his principal parishioners, without 
whose concurrence he did not choose to proceed in the work ; 
urging upon him various powerful and convincing reasons, 
why a new church edifice should be forthwith built. This 
parishioner, however, still refused to sanction the movement ; 
and therefore it was again abandoned. A new church was 
not necessary, in such a sense that they could not do without 
it. He could still preach, and his people could still hear, the 
true Gospel in the old church, uncomfortable, and, to their 
worldly pride, mortifying as it was. All this was better than 
contention and strife ; and therefore he chose it. In the 
words of his letter, just alluded to ; "the interesting subject 
of building a new church was, when I left home, in agitation. 
On this subject, there was a difference of opinion, and some 
danger that it might cause dissension, and disturb that har- 
mony, which has so long and so happily prevailed among us. 
This, in my estimation, would be a greater evil than having 
no church, new or old, to worship in." There, was another 
insight into his character ! It was the Bishop still : not an- 
other man ; but the same man, acting under other circum- 
stances. He could preach the Gospel in a barn, or in the 
open air, rather than injure peace and breed strife ; although 
he could not consent to alienate consecrated Church proper- 
ty, even when there appeared scarce a human probability, 



INTERESTING LETTER FROM VERMONT. 273 

that it would ever again be used for the purposes, to which 
it had been consecrated. He had his reward. St. Michael's, 
Bristol, built a new church, when it could be done without 
wounding his love of peace : and St. Michael's, Marblehead, 
lived to see firmer strength and fairer prospects, than those, 
which it enjoyed, when it stood trembling on the result of a 
petition to the Legislature of Massachusetts, the prayer of 
which was urged by those, who desired to possess its ancient 
heritage. 

I have just spoken of the tour, which he was making, 
when he wrote his letter to Bristol, urging reasons for the 
building of a new church. Another letter has reached me, 
written on the same tour, which, as it is the unbosoming of 
warm, generous friendship, the heart of the Bishop embalmed 
for preservation, and as it will shew us in what spirit, and 
amidst what feelings, he pursued his various way over moun- 
tain and valley, while carrying his embassage for Christ to 
the people of his charge, I am glad to insert : 

" Bellows Falls, Vt., June 26, 182L 
" Dear H , — Almost for the first time since commenc- 
ing the labors of this tour, I have two or three hours of 
leisure ; and to what better use, (consulting my own feelings,) 
can I appropriate them, than in this manner of communica- 
tion with those, to whom, if the Lord will, I hope soon to be 
restored in still more pleasing and social intercourse ? In 
writing to my friends, I am accustomed so to presume on 
their friendship, as to write chiefly of myself. Can you, as 
some others have done, bear with me ? Sure I am, that you 
will cordially unite with me in devout and humble thanks to 
the Father of Mercies, that His unseen hand has conducted 
me thus far through one more of these (what many call very 
laborious) journies. Did I think as much of the labors per- 
formed, as of the mercies received, I should be (more, if 
possible, than I am) unworthy of the least of them. That I 
do so little of what is to be done ; that I am so remiss in the 
service of such a Master ; that I so often feel weary and 



274 MEMOIR, &C. 

languid and lifeless, when the immortal destinies of, God 
only knows how many of, my fellow-creatures are at stake, 
and perhaps in some mysterious sense and awful degree, 
dependent on my fidelity, is the subject of daily sorrow. Is 
there not too much reason for that painful apprehension, 
which I most certainly and often feel, that the Lord's con- 
tinuing, in an office so important, one so unworthy, is an evi- 
dence of His displeasure against the Churches of this Dio- 
cese ? But, whatever I am, the Lord's will be done : cease 
not to pray for us ; and that He will send into this field, now 
white for the harvest, laborers according to His own 
mind. 

" I have now almost finished the circuit of Vermont. The 
State has never before appeared to me so interesting. The 
season is uncommonly fine. One, more promising to the 
husbandman, probably, was never seen. The general im- 
provement of this State in the last ten, and more especially 
in the last three years, is remarkably visible ; — visible in 
the neatness and better management of their farms ; in their 
industry and all their business ; in their morals and religion ; 
which last, probably, is the cause of all the others. ' God- 
liness is profitable unto all things.' The people here are 
better disposed to hear sound doctrine, and more rationally 
desirous to obtain a regular ministration of the Christian or- 
dinances. May we not hope, that the increase of the Epis- 
copal Church and the efforts of its friends have contributed 
something to this change ? ' Not unto us, O Lord, but unto 
thy name, be the praise' for every blessing. 

w Saturday the 30th. What I said above of leisure hours, 
was somewhat premature. I was soon interrupted by some 
gentlemen, who called to see me ; and now here, (in Green- 
field) for the first time am I able again to take my pen. 
This repose was unexpected. My arrangement was to have 
gone this morning to Montague, and, after the usual services, 
to have returned in the evening to this place. I had left it, 
however, with Mr. Strong and his parish to alter the arrange- 
ment as they should deem it expedient ; and they, consult- 



INTERESTING LETTER FROM VERMONT. 275 

ing, I fear, my ease more than the good of the Church, 
have determined, that I should spend the day in this 
place. 

" How wonderful, dear H , have been the Lord's 

mercies to the most unworthy of his creatures ! When I 
reflect that now, for ten years, I have been engaged in 
these visitations ; that all the arrangements for my services, 
with regard to time and place, have been made several weeks 
before, and many of them under circumstances of doubt and 
difficulty, which you cannot well" conceive ; and yet, that I 
have never failed in any one appointment ; it seems incredi- 
ble and as a dream. The Lord mercifully grant, that this 
experience of His protecting goodness may not make me 
presumptuous. My appointments for Monday and Tuesday 
next seem scarce practicable. It is written ; ' Thou shall 
not tempt the Lord thy God.' 

" No tour, that I have made, has been more interesting, 
none, probably, more useful, than the present. In none, 
certainly, have I received more kindness from Christian 
brethren, and ' friends no less than brethren dear.' Large 
and valuable additions are made to the number of my ac- 
quaintance. I have visited three new parishes, and expect 
next Monday, if the Lord permit, to visit a fourth. If there 
were room on this- small sheet of bad paper, I would give 
you some account of my tour. The following is a short ex- 
tract from my Journal. 

cc June 15th. In the morning we proceed, over a bad 
road, through a new and interesting country, to Berkshire ;" 
(a town in Vt., on the Canada line,) "Dr. W. and lady, 
very excellent people ; was much pleased with their simpli- 
city of manner, and unaffected kindness ; and chiefly with 
their attachment to the Church and liberality in its support. 
Our services, P. M., very interesting. The school-hous£ 
not being sufficient to contain the congregation expected, 
preparations were made in a beautiful grove of young maples, 
on a fine rising ground ; and the timber, collected near the 
spot for building a new Church, furnished abundant mate- 
rials for the stage and seats. Thus was its use anticipated, 



276 MEMOIR, &C. 

and our altar reared, we may almost say, with unhewn stones. 
These materials, now preparing to be ' fitly joined together' 
in a regular temple, to be dedicated to God, suggest the 
thought, that they who sit upon them, are, we may hope, 
materials in preparation, — even i lively stones,' — to be here- 
after united in a temple infinitely more glorious, — c a building 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' Many cir- 
cumstances conspired to heighten the interest of the scenery 
and the occasion. At a small distance in front, without the 
grove, which was semicircular, was the intended site of the 
new Church. Below, at the foot of a gentle descent, the 
road leads along ; and beyond it, for a long distance on 
either hand, the river Missisque is seen winding its beauti- 
ful course through an extended vale. And still beyond are 
rising forests, and fields, and hills swelling into various 
shapes and sizes ; while mountains, rearing their unequal 
and lofty summits, terminate the view. In such a situation, 
surrounded by a numerous assembly, collected from several 
towns and many miles in every direction, and, like Corne- 
lius and his friends waiting c to hear all things, that were 
commanded us of God,' — my thoughts were such as I have 
not language to express. How deep are the counsels of the 
Almighty ! Why is an instrument, so weak and unworthy, 
sent on a message of such importance ? c Who shall satisfy 
these men with bread here in the wilderness ?' God's power 
is made manifest in weakness. We sung the 50th hymn ;" 
(the 36th of our present selection, c Far from my thoughts, 
vain world, begone;' &c.) " Evening prayer was performed 
by Mr. Leonard. After the 2d lesson, seven young persons, 
four men and three women, with the appearance of the most 
sincere devotion, presented themselves for baptism, which 
was administered by Mr. Clapp. The sermon was heard 
with an attention worthy of a better discourse. After ser- 
mon, thirty-five persons received confirmation, and received 
it, there was no reason to doubt, with a just and deep sense 
of its nature and design. And then the Lord's Supper was 
administered to a respectable number of very devout com- 
municants. 



REMARKS, &C. 277 

" In Windsor, I heard from Bristol ; and I trust am not 
the less happy for learning that the people there have been 
more so, in consequence of my absence. How desirable it 
is, and how difficult, to love our neighbor as ourself. 

" It is possible that I may arrive in Bristol before this 
letter ; in which case you will, probably, not have the 
trouble of reading it. 

Yours, most affectionately, 

A. V. Griswold." 

Who, with a Christian heart, can read this letter, and not 
wish that he had been with the holy Bishop, and a sharer in 
his unutterable feelings, as he surveyed the scene, which he 
described, and engaged in the duties, which he performed, 
in the midst of that hungering congregation of the wilder- 
ness ? The world will say, there is no evidence of great- 
ness in these and the thousand other details, wilich fill the 
Episcopal career of Bishop Griswold ; — and, as the men of 
the world count greatness, their saying is true. There is 
nothing here of the orator on Bunker Hill, who keeps the 
tides of a human ocean swaying to and fro, in obedience to 
the power of his burning eye and of his voiced thoughts : 
nothing of the negotiator of a treaty, on the result of which 
hangs the question of peace, or war, between the nations of 
the earth : nothing of the mighty Bard, whose epic song 
charms the cultured mind of a reading world through the 
distance of thousands of years : nothing of the awful philoso- 
pher, who, with a little instrument in his hand, weighs plan- 
ets and measures the courses and the periods of the heavens. 
Nevertheless, in all the details, through which we have 
been passing, and are yet to pass, there is greatness still ; the 
greatness of a mind, that could repress, though not extinguish, 
its inborn, deathless passion for literature and science ; of a 
mind, that could forego its young ambition for distinction 
among men, whether at the bar, or at the board of com- 
merce ; whether in the debates of Senates, or in the affairs 
of State ; — of a mind, which, thus refrained, could devote 
itself, not to schemes of party agitation, nor to plans for self- 

AA 



278 MEMOIR, &C. 

aggrandizement, in the Church ; not to the magnificence of 
titulary priesthood, nor to the toils of political Churchman- 
ship ; — but to the solemn work of a humble, holy, Christian 
Bishop; willing, in poverty arid self-denial, to carry the 
Gospel of his Great Lord and Master to c the poor destitute,' 
and to the unfed dwellers of the wilderness ; — living amidst 
unutterable conceptions of the divine greatness of his voca- 
tion ; and falling into the most unaffected and habitual self- 
abasement in view of what was ever rising before him, — the 
condescension of God in employing him in such a work, and 
the mercy of God in keeping him through its perils. In 
views of religion and of duty, such as he embraced, few 
men could appear great to the eye of the world ; and these 
few belong to a class, whose opulence and brilliancy of 
genius cannot be hid, place them where you may. But, 
though these are greatest, yet they are not the only great ; — 
and the reason why men of inferior, though still impressive 
greatness, when constituted, sanctified and employed like 
Bishop Griswold, do not appear great to worldly apprehen- 
sions, is, that they are too far above the world to be mea- 
sured. Men of the world judge accurately of men like 
themselves ; as they do of the size and shape of objects 
beside them on the earth, their houses, their equipage, and 
their farms. But they do not ordinarily judge with accu- 
racy of the great Christian, who is thoroughly imbued with 
his Master's Spirit, and self-denyingly given up to his 
Master's work. Such a Christian, like a man standing on 
the summit of a tall mountain, may appear little to the be- 
holders below, his step may be. unheard, and his action may- 
seem weak ; — but, it is not because he is little, nor because 
his step wakes no echo, nor because his action is "feeble ; 
but, because he is so distant from them, and so much nearer 
heaven than themselves. 

I referred just now to Bishop Griswold's constitutional 
peculiarity, as one of the reasons, why he was never, or but 
seldom, justly estimated. This, perhaps, is as fitting a place 
as any to say, that, in speaking, as I have occasionally done, 
of his constitutional modesty, and of that Christian humility. 



REMARKS. 279 

which became, in a manner, inwrought into his constitution, 
and which kept him from pushing himself forward upon 
the world's notice, I would not be understood as ascribing 
to him any constitutional weakness. His was not that physi- 
cal infirmity, that shrinking sensitiveness of nerve, which 
seems to have kept the beautiful genius of Addison and of 
Cowper from shining in the Parliament and Courts of Great 
Britain. For, whenever he was brought into situations cal- 
culated to intimidate, or overpower, he had a coolness, 
which never deserted him, and a nerve, which never trem- 
bled ; and when he felt it necessary for him to speak, he was 
always able to express himself — if not with the fire of a great 
orator, — yet with the accuracy and brief point of a clear, 
well- trained mind. 

What is meant by the remark, at the close of the letter 
given above, that he was not made " less happy for learning 
that his people had been more so, in consequence of his ab- 
sence," — I am not sure that I understand. It seems to imply, 
that some, at least, of his people had become disaffected ; 
but that he was too conscious of having acted rightly to be 
disturbed by a knowledge of their feelings. Probably, the 
allusion is to an incident, which appears in his correspond- 
ence about this period. It seems that, having felt seriously 
the double burthen of Diocesan and of parochial labors, as 
it pressed both on his health and on his usefulness, and 
knowing that he was supported, not by the voluntary con- 
tributions of his parishioners, but by a fund, which was, or 
appears to have been, left for the purpose of supporting an 
assistant ; he had ventured to ask for one to aid him in his 
parish, while he was absent with his Diocese. It also ap- 
pears that his Vestry refused either to appoint, or to support 
such an assistant ; — and that one of them treated him with 
great harshness and discourtesy. In consequence of this, 
a sort of private and confidential effort was renewed to in- 
duce him to leave Bristol, and settle in the vicinity of Bos- 
ton ; circumstances there at the time offering him again a 
favorable opportunity for such a settlement. But the fact 
that he did not encourage this effort, but continued still the 



280 MEMOIR, &C. 

unassisted Rector of St. Michael's, (and that, for seven or 
eight years longer,) shews that, whatever may have occur- 
red, it did not shake his attachment for his flock, nor their 
confidence in him. In truth, there is no evidence that the 
difficulty touched the feelings of his congregation in general ; 
or that they ever felt towards him any other sentiment than 
that of devoted and almost worshipping affection. They, I 
have reason to believe, would, at any time, have forced 
either the building of a Church, or the support of an assist- 
ant, for him. But the truth seems to have been, that he 
would not have either, unless with the hearty concurrence 
of certain influential members of the parish. 

The difficulties, between the Bishop's brother and his 
parish in Great Barrington, came at this period to a crisis, 
and resulted in his brother's yielding to what he had long re- 
sisted, — the stern necessity, which compelled him to separate 
from that people. The correspondence of the two brothers 
on this subject would give a painful interest in this work : 
but it would take us into those intimacies of private life, 
and of family relations, which are not for the public eye. 
It is sufficient to say that, in no part of his correspondence, 
does the Bishop's character appear, to the view of his bio- 
grapher, more meek, more gentle, or more noble in Chris- 
tian bearing, than in this. 

In September of the year 1822, the Bishop received a let- 
ter from James Eastburn, Esq., of New York, from which it 
appears that Dr. Jarvis of Boston, in co-operation with the 
Bishop, had been making an effort to induce the Rev. Man- 
ton Eastburn, then lately ordained, to take charge of the 
parish in Cambridge, Mass. The effort did not succeed ; 
and it was left for this youthful minister to be placed, in his 
maturer years, over that parish in common with all others of 
our Church in the Pilgrim State, though in a higher capacity 
than that of simply its rector. 

The Biennial Convention of the Diocese assembled this 
year, and for the last time, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 
I say the last ; for, at this session, the alteration of the con- 
stitution, which was proposed two years before, and which 



DIVISION OF DIOCESE FIRST PROPOSED. 281 

was to make the meetings of the body annual, though not 
fully adopted, was yet so far acted on, that the next Conven- 
tion was ordered for September, 1823 ; and thus, as the 
Church in Maine had before received its organization, there 
were henceforth in the Eastern Diocese six Conventions every 
year ; one in each of the Jive States, and one in the Diocese 
as comprehending them all. This last the Bishop always 
attended ; and was present and presided at all the rest, as 
often as it was practicable ; at those in Rhode Island and 
Massachusetts almost uniformly ; and at those in the more 
northern States often. 

The Bishop's Address at this Convention was full of in- 
terest. He had, since the last annual meeting, visited every 
parish in his Diocese with the exception of " some very re- 
cently organized." To the former list of candidates, seven 
had been added, including his son George Griswold : nine 
had been ordained Deacons, and one, a Presbyter: and six 
hundred and fifty-two persons had received Confirmation. 
Upon this last fact he remarks, that it is " a number certainly 
not large for so many Churches." But then, he urges, as a 
reason for this, that the parishes were mostly very small, and 
that he "had not thought it his duty to encourage any to 
make that solemn profession of their belief and devotion to 
God, except they were sufficiently instructed in Christianity, 
and could receive the ordinance from pious and conscien- 
tious motives." " The practice," he continues, " which we 
may well fear has not been uncommon, of admitting to Con- 
firmation, and even urging to be confirmed, those who have 
no serious sense of religion, nor real intention to devote 
themselves to God, through Christ, is injurious to Christi- 
anity, and to our Church in particular : it has caused Confir- 
mation to be lightly esteemed and much neglected. We 
may add, as a further reason why there are in this Diocese 
so few Confirmations, that a great proportion of our largest 
parishes are on the sea-board ; in which it is painful to state 
there are fewer males, who receive the Christian ordinances. 
In a visitation to one of our principal Churches, there were 
fifty females confirmed and not one male. In our country 



282 MEMOIR, &C. 

Churches the men are little enough attentive to spiritual 
things : but they are still less so in commercial towns. If 
* one goes his way to his farm, rather than his Saviour, still 
more frequently does another to his merchandize.' " 

This remark on the tendencies of town and country life, is 
worthy of attention. " God made the country, but man 
made the town :" and though God reigns every where, yet 
He doth not every where reign unto salvation. His own 
works, not man's, are the best helpers of His word. 

In the Address of this year, he first introduces the subject 
of a division of his Diocese, in consequence of its growth, 
and the difficulty of visiting its scattered parishes as often as 
their spiritual good required. His remarks on this subject 
are of permanent value. " It is decidedly my opinion," 
says he, "that the spiritual interest and prosperity of our 
Churches require that every parish should be annually visited 
by its Diocesan. * * * * * It requires no 
great wisdom to foresee, what experience will probably soon 
verify, that our present practice of making a State, however 
large, but one Diocese, may be very pernicious to the cause 
of true godliness, and the best interest of our Churches. 
Thirty, or at most forty parishes are enough for one Diocese, 
unless their location is very compact. And though the num- 
ber in this Diocese, excepting some very small, does not 
much exceed forty, yet it is desirable that, as soon as it can 
with propriety be effected, this Diocese should be divided. 
Vermont, especially, however reluctantly I might^relinquish 
the happiness of my very interesting connexion with its 
Churches, ought, as soon as circumstances will admit, to 
have a Bishop wholly its own."* 

Passing from this topic, which is not likely soon to lose 
its interest, he alludes to a very attractive and solemn even- 
ing service, which had been held in St. Paul's, Newbury- 
port, at which Dr. Jarvis preached ; and goes on to argue, 
from its evidently valuable results, the great importance of 
opening all our Churches for such services ; especially on 
Sunday evenings, and in large towns and cities ; where, if 
the young are not allured to the house of God, they will too 



NOTICES OF ANNUAL ADDRESS FOR 1821. 283 

often spend their evenings "in idle parties, and vain conver- 
sation ;" and where many can conveniently attend such ser- 
vices in our Church, who cannot be present at them at any 
other time. 

He then inserts the account, which has already been given 
in his letter to his Bristol friend, of his visit to the town of 
Berkshire on the northern borders of Vermont ; after which 
he adds : 

" The next morning, we proceeded to Montgomery, where 
we had the pleasure of meeting with another newly formed 
society, and where the services were very similar and not 
less interesting. The tears of many evinced how much 
awakened was their sense that the Lord is good, and they, 
sinners." * * * * " It was pleasing, 

and an evidence of their sincere desire to hear the word and 
receive the ordinances of Christ, to observe the distance which 
the people, in that and other parts of Vermont, will travel, 
and many of them walk, to attend public worship, and share 
in the ministrations of the sanctuary. How unfaithful and 
without excuse would be the stewards of God's mysteries — 
the pastors of His fold, — if they, who thus hunger and thirst 
after righteousness, should ever, unnecessarily, be " sent 
empty away !" Such zeal in the people was felt as a strong, 
though silent reproof of my own remissness in the Saviour's 
cause." 

On the 27th of June, 1821, while on this tour through 
Vermont, he attended the annual Convention of the Church 
in that State, at Bellows Falls ; the fullest that had ever as- 
sembled in that part of his Diocese. 

His remarks, in this Address, on his visits to Holdemess 
and Hopkinton, New Hampshire, will shew the manner, in 
which he was affected by every little symptom of awakening 
interest on the subject of religion, and in which he strove to 
encourage every such awakening towards a full and abiding 
love of heavenly things. Speaking of his visit to the former 
place, he says : " Some of the people remarked that c it was 
the happiest day they had ever seen.' They, who thus de- 
light in the blessings of the sanctuary, who prize above 



284 MEMOIR, &C. 

worldly pleasures the words of life and the ministrations of 
mercy and grace, cannot be 'far from the kingdom of God.' 
There must be many in this world, who love their Saviour, 
when the most unworthy of his ministers are, for his sake, so 
kindly received, and so much respected ; and when the sa- 
cred memorials of redeeming love give greater satisfaction 
than the fascinating allurements of this world." Of the lat- 
ter place, where there was a small congregation, in which 
" the Lord had some faithful souls," he says : " Their readi- 
ness to 'receive a prophet in the name of a prophet,' is a 
pleasing assurance that ' a prophet's reward' shall be their 
portion. Often have they given more than ' a cup of cold 
water to one of the least of the Lord's disciples ;' may c the 
Lord remember them for good.' " 

The effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth 
much; and these parishes, in common with others, may 
find the saying true, long years after the time, when he who 
breathed his frequent intercessions for them, went to his 
rest. 

It appears from this address, that these visits to Holder- 
ness and Hopkinton, as well as others, were made on a 
second tour for the year 1821, into New Hampshire and Ver- 
mont. The latter was made in October, and terminated at 
Arlington ; from which place, he proceeded, by Troy, and 
New York, to attend a special General Convention of our 
Church at Philadelphia, called to act on the affairs of our 
General Theological Seminary. The result of that Conven- 
tion was to transfer and finally to locate this Institution at 
New York, instead of New Haven. It was a subject on 
which intense interest was felt ; and the change was not 
made without much excitement of feeling. The Bishop thus 
alludes to it in his address of 1822 : 

a The result was happier than perhaps any of the mem- 
bers, under existing circumstances, had dared to hope. To 
avoid the dreadful evils of strife and litigation, it was wisely 
judged expedient to yield, almost wholly, to the high claims 
of the Diocese of New York. The constitution adopted 
gives the General Convention some control in the concerns 



SYSTEM OF SUNDAY SCHOOL INSTRUCTION PROPOSED. 285 

of the Seminary : but, in its operation, it will no doubt be 
managed chiefly by that Diocese. It is not my intention, 
however, to insinuate that the management is placed in im- 
proper hands. Its location in the most populous, commer- 
cial and frequented city of our country will necessarily ex- 
clude a large part of our Theological students from the 
school; and is, in my judgment, on other accounts, injudi- 
cious." 

In the same address, he reports having presided at an ad- 
journed Convention of the Church in Massachusetts, which 
met in Salem, in July, 1822, for the painful business of at- 
tending to the trial of two of our clergy in that State, on 
charges, which had been preferred against them ; a duty, 
which he had the discomfort of repeating the same year, 
when on his October tour through New Hampshire and Ver- 
mont, towards the special General Convention in Philadel- 
phia. 

The general condition of his Diocese, however, as indi- 
cated in this address, is that of cheering increase and pros- 
perity; with sad evidences, indeed, of former weakness 
still remaining ; but with multiplying proofs of freshly spring- 
ing life, all over the moral soil, which had been brought 
under cultivation. 

The Committee, appointed at this Convention to set forth 
a system of Catechetical instruction for the Sunday-schools 
of the Diocese, soon made progress in their work. Consult- 
ing with Bishop Brownell, of Connecticut, and a Committee 
of that Diocese, which seems to have been appointed on the 
same subject, the chairman of the Committee for the Eastern 
Diocese, at the opening of the year 1823, addressed a letter 
to Bishop Griswold, in which he informs his Diocesan, that 
the system was in a state of forwardness, and that he was 
very desirous of its completion, of the Bishop's sanction, 
and of its introduction at an early period into the schools of 
the Diocese. Its use, however, never became general, and 
has since, I apprehend, been wholly superceded by that of 
the system prepared by our General Sunday School Union, 



286 MEMOIR, &C. 



combined, in many instances, with that of the system of the 
American Sabbath School Union. 

We are now at the opening of those developments in 
Church affairs, which, from this period, became more and 
more full, and which brought upon Bishop Griswold some of 
the most enduring, if not the most painful trials of his Epis- 
copal life. The subject of "Prayer meetings" in the Epis- 
copal Church, and in connexion with the Eastern Diocese, 
had already begun to attract attention in the columns of " the 
Gospel Advocate," by the publication, in the September 
No. of that periodical, for 1822, of a sermon on James iii. 1. 
In this discourse an evident allusion to these meetings was 
made, and a loud note of warning against them, sounded. 
This brought out a writer in the March No., for 1823, under 
the signature of a An Episcopal Layman;" who, conceiving 
the character and tendency of the meetings to have been 
seriously misrepresented, or at least misstated, entered ear- 
nestly into their defence, and insisted strongly on their high 
importance to the spiritual life and growth of religion in the 
Church. To this writer the editors replied in the same No., 
and as earnestly espoused the views, which were put forth in 
the sermon on James iii. 1. In the May No., for the same 
year, appeared a layman, signed "P.," who took extravagant 
positions on the side of the editor and of the sermon, and spoke 
against the meetings and their friends with levity as well as 
with severity. The Editors, having thus given both sides a 
hearing, expressed their determination to close the columns 
of the periodical against further communications on the sub- 
ject ; or rather, expressed their hope that no further commu- 
nications on the subject would be offered for insertion. And 
yet, in their address at the opening of the year 1825, they 
introduced the subject again, at such length, and with so 
much injustice to the friends of the meetings, especially in 
Rhode Island, that the Bishop felt it his duty to prepare a 
series of articles, with a view to remove the unjust impress- 
ions, which had been made, and to vindicate the true 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 287 

character of the exercises, which had been assailed. These 
essays were refused insertion in the columns of the Gospel 
Advocate, and therefore subsequently appeared in " The 
Episcopal Register," a periodical, which had been started 
in Vermont. 

But, as the history of this controversy runs forwards be- 
yond the period now under review, I shall reserve a more 
particular notice of it for its more proper place. The year 
1823 was rendered memorable by a controversy of a differ- 
ent character and with different connexions. This now de- 
mands a more special attention. I refer to that, which oc- 
curred between Bishop Griswold and Bishop Hobart, on the 
case of Dr. Ducachet. This case was of so much importance, 
from its connexion with our canon law on the subject in- 
volved, and excited so much attention throughout the 
Church, that it would be improper to pass it without notice 
in the present work. It would be equally improper for the 
present writer to enter into the controversy as an advocate 
for either of the parties engaged. Nothing further, therefore, 
will be attempted, than to give the correspondence of the two 
Bishops, with such other documents as may be necessary to 
shew the true position and the real views of each. It is pre- 
sumed that the memory of neither of those distinguished 
men will suffer from the adoption of such a course. 

Dr. Ducachet, having been in the practice of medicine in 
the city of New York, was induced to change his profession, 
and devote his life to the work of the ministry. He applied 
for admission, as a candidate for orders in the Diocese of 
New York and was received. But subsequent events in- 
duced Bishop Hobart to refuse to ordain him ; and he 
therefore, after some delay, applied for admission anew, as a 
candidate for orders in the Eastern Diocese. After his re- 
fusal to give him orders, Bishop Hobart sent the canonical 
notification of the fact to the other Bishops of our Church ; 
upon the receipt of which by Bishop Griswold the corres- 
pondence was opened, which I now proceed to give, and 
which will explain the case without any further comment 



288 MEMOIR, &C. 

from the present writer. It may be well, however, before 
proceeding to the correspondence, to give the Canon, by 
which the case was governed. It is as follows : 

" Canon xvi." (as printed in 18.25.) 
" Of Candidates, who may be refused orders.") 

" No Bishop shall ordain any candidate until he has re- 
quired of him whether he has ever, directly or indirectly, 
applied for orders in any other Diocese or State ; and if 
the Bishop has reason to believe, that the candidate has been 
refused orders in any other Diocese, or State, he shall write 
to the Bishop of the Diocese, or, if there be no Bishop, to 
the Standing Committee, to know whether any just cause ex- 
ists why the candidate should not be ordained. When any 
Bishop rejects the application of any candidate for orders, 
he shall immediately give notice to the Bishop of every 
State or Diocese, or, if there be no Bishop, to the Standing 
Committee." 

According to the requisition of this Canon, and while 
Mr. Ducachet's application for admission as a candidate in 
the Eastern Diocese, was pending, Bishop Griswold address- 
ed to Bishop Hob art the following letter : 

" Bristol, July 9th, 1823, 

" Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, — That perplexing subject, the ap- 
plication of Mr. Ducachet to this Diocese to be received as 
a candidate for orders, is still in agitation ; and it is proper 
that you should be apprized of what is doing, and consulted 
in whatever steps may be taken. Whether our Standing 
Committee" (that in Rhode Island) " will recommend him, 
I know not ; nor have I formed any determination respecting 
my future conduct in the business. To prevent any misun- 
derstanding, it will be proper to state to you my general view 
of such questions, and to ask a statement of yours, and of 
this case particularly. A Bishop's authority, we know, is 
confined to his own Diocese. It is decidedly my opinion 
that a candidate's being rejected by one Bishop, does not, 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 289 

in itself, debar him of the right of applying to, and being re- 
ceived by, another ; for, such a rule might sanction the most 
intolerable oppression. It is also my opinion, that if any 
Bishop receives one, who has been refused by another, it 
does not necessarily imply any censure upon the conduct of 
the Bishop, who refused. They act independently, each 
(we must suppose) according to his best judgment, and of 
course, as his conscience dictates. Either of them may act 
injudiciously ; or the case may very possibly be so equally 
balanced, that a wise and impartial judge would hesitate to 
say which of the two pursued the wiser course. It is also 
my opinion, and it is evident to all, that the Bishop and 
Standing Committee, who receive the person, that has been 
rejected, take on themselves the whole responsibility. If the 
person is unworthy, no blame can rest on those who, rejected 
him. The case is similar to what we daily see in civil 
causes. If one judge reverses the decision of another, no 
censure is implied or understood. It is no uncommon thing 
for a man to bring an action before a court and lose it ; a 
new trial is granted him, and he gains his cause. In such 
case, no manner of disrespect is shown to the former court. 
Of course, in the present case, you are interested only in the 
general honor and good of the Church. Mr. D. comes here 
very highly and abundantly recommended. You judge him 
to be an unfit person. The reasons for it given me verbally 
by yourself are worthy of serious consideration. But, with 
deference, I conceive that we ought to have some definite 
statement in writing of his disqualifications, with the proper 
proof. His address, delivered on a certain funeral occasion, 
and published, to which we have been referred, is reprehen- 
sible, but is not, in my judgment, sufficient to debar him 
from the sacred ministry. I have to request, then, that you 
will address to me, or to Mr. Wheaton, the President of our 
Standing Committee, such statement, and such proof, of Mr. 
Ducachet's unfitness for the holy ministry as you shall think 
proper. This, I know, is to you an unpleasant business ; 
but to me it is much more so ; called, as I probably soon 

BB 



290 MEMOIR, &C. 

shall be, to decide in a question of such great delicacy and 
importance. 

Most respectfully, your friend and brother, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

To this communication Bishop Hobart returned the follow- 
ing answer, dated, 

"New York, August 6th, 1823. 

" Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, — Your letter of the 9th of July 
last arrived during my absence on a visitation of part of the 
Diocese ; and before I could answer it, on my return, I was 
seized with an intermittent fever. The information which I 
received of what passed among the Bishops at the General 
Convention, induced me to hope, that the subject of Mr. 
Ducachet's application to you for orders would not engross 
much more of your or my attention. The state of my health 
must be my apology for my delay in writing to you, and for 
my not going very fully into the subject. This, however, is 
the less necessary, as the views, which appear to me correct, 
are stated by our presiding Bishop, in the opinion, which he 
read in the house of Bishops ; and, as you may not have a 
copy of it, I take the liberty of subjoining one, taken from a 
copy, with which Bishop White furnished me : 

" c Question. Is there any possible case, in which a per- 
son, refused orders by a Bishop, and applying to another 
Bishop for ordination, may justifiably be ordained by 
him?' 

" < Answer. The case is here supposed to be possible ; 
but not under any circumstances, in which such an act would 
not be an open testimony against either the heterodoxy, or 
the injustice of a brother Bishop.' 

"Let there be supposed two cases, as happening either in 
the Diocese of Bishop Kemp, or in that of Bishop Croes. 
These Right Rev. Brethren will excuse the attaching of their 
names to the fictitious cases ; because the question is con- 
templated as having a bearing on a possible application to 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 291 

the writer of this ; and because, if either of their Dioceses 
should be passed over to reach that of Pennsylvania, such a 
procedure would be considered by him as evidence of the 
belief of a diversity of sentiment, influencing the administra- 
tion of ecclesiastical discipline. The suggestion would pre- 
vent procedure in the case : although it might not prevent 
the consulting of Bishops on the subject, abstractly con- 
sidered, as is done in the present instance. 

" Let it be supposed, that in either of the two named Dio- 
ceses, there should be hereafter a Bishop, denying the sacri- 
fice of the Cross to have been made for all. Scripture 
affirms it to have been 'for the sins of the whole world ;' 
but he would give the interpretation that it might have been 
so extensive, had such been the will of God. Our Church 
says ; — c who redeemed me and all mankind :' but this would 
be interpreted of all sorts of men. Before the Bishop there 
appears a candidate, who is rejected, because, not giving 
satisfactory answers on the specified points, he is considered 
as a denier of the sovereignty of God ; and as excluding the 
agency of the Holy Spirit from the giving of a beginning to 
the work of saving grace : doubtless just causes of rejection 
if truly predicated of the person. In the circumstances 
stated, it may be supposed, that the latter of the Bishops ap- 
plied to would enter into a Christian correspondence with 
his Right Rev. Brother ; not for the discussion of the impli- 
cated points, but perhaps for friendly expostulation ; and at 
any rate, for the ascertaining of the facts : and on the latter 
account, other resources might be had recourse to. If the 
cause of the rejection should be found to be as stated, there 
would seem no hindrance to the ordaining of the party ; al- 
though not even then, without the advice of the Standing 
Committee of the Diocese, and after taking the advice of 
some brother Bishops. 

" Another case. Let the circumstances be as before ; ex- 
cept that the rejection is for some act contrary to good morals. 
Let it be the manifesting of a disposition to intemperate abuse 
of character : than which there can scarcely be a fault more 
tending to the disgrace of the Christian ministry. If it 



292 MEMOIR, &C. 

should not bring down personal vengeance on the minister ; 
there will be the sting of professed forbearance, because of 
the sacred profession of the offender. One would hope that 
no Standing Committee would sign the requisite testimonials 
of such a person. If this should be done, it might further 
be hoped,* that the Standing Committee of the Diocese ap- 
plied to would not strain their consciences to the same ex- 
tent. But we will suppose both these events to have hap- 
pened. The opinion entertained is, that the Bishop applied 
to should disregard them both, and not take on himself the 
heavy responsibility, which would result from his compli- 
ance. Let the above case be so varied as that, in the estima- 
tion of the second Bishop applied to, the offence is resolvable 
into an act of indiscretion, not evidencing malignity of mind. 
That this is possible, cannot be denied. But how great 
should be the caution of predicating ordination on the ground 
of the unreasonable severity, and, as would be alleged, the 
tyranny of another Bishop ! If, however, the extreme case 
should happen, and if it should be continued, after reasonable 
time and endeavor for conciliation ; no doubt the majority, 
or rather all the rest, of the Bishops would express such sen- 
timents concerning it, as would make the course of conduct 
clear to the Bishop applied to, and justify his compliance 
with the request made. W. W." 

"Agreeably to the principles laid down in the opinion 
referred to, I should consider it to be my duty to act in any 
particular case, which might come before me. If an appli- 
cation should be made to me to ordain a candidate rejected 
in the Eastern Diocese, I should not proceed, because, as 
suggested by Bishop White, this measure would imply a be- 
lief that there was some c diversity of sentiment,' which, in 
the opinion of the candidate, would render his application 
more likely to succeed with me than with the Bishop of Con- 
necticut, to whom, as the nearest Bishop, it would be na- 
tural and proper that the candidate should apply. If the 
case of a candidate, rejected by an adjoining Bishop, should 
come before me, I should not think proper to ordain him, 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 293 

unless I were satisfied of ' the heterodoxy or injustice of my 
brother Bishop,' in rejecting him. I conceive that only in 
an extreme case of this kind, would I be justifiable in ordain- 
ing a person rejected by another Bishop, and not then with- 
out 'consulting my brother Bishops.' I should, in the first 
instance, inquire of the Bishop, who had rejected the can- 
didate, ' Whether,' (in the words of the canon) c any just 
cause exists why the candidate should not be ordained.' If 
he answered in the affirmative, if, for example, he stated 
that, after full inquiry, he was satisfied that the candidate 
did not possess c the qualifications which would render him 
apt and meet to exercise the ministry ;' that his temper and 
disposition led him to language and conduct so violent as to 
expose him to just censure, and that his temper had been 
particularly displayed in an l intemperate abuse of character,' 
I should immediately refuse to act in the case, satisfied that 
I could not ordain the candidate without bearing < c an open 
testimony' against the c severity and injustice of my brother 
Bishop ;' and of this ( severity and injustice' I must have 
strong and full evidence, before I should consider myself 
justifiable in ordaining the man, whom he had rejected. His 
general assurance, that he had full and satisfactory evidence 
of the moral unfitness of the candidate would satisfy me, un- 
less there were clear and decisive proof to invalidate an 
assurance, to which, from every consideration, I was bound 
to give full credit. But if my brother Bishop went further, 
and laid before me, as proof of the disposition of the person, 
whom he had rejected, to i an intemperate abuse of charac- 
ter,' a pamphlet, containing the severest charges against 
individuals, amounting, if false, to slander, and, at the same 
time, assured me, that he was satisfied, by full evidence, 
that at least some of these charges, and particularly the most 
exceptionable charge, were false, I should be still more for- 
tified in my determination to reject the application of the 
candidate ; as, by not doing so, I should consider myself as 
impeaching the veracity, and the capacity, and the purity of 
intention, as well as the justice of my brother Bishop, by the 
supposition that he had not this evidence, as he asserted ; or 

BB* 



294 MEMOIR, &C. 

that he was incapable of estimating the force of evidence ; 
or had judged and decided corruptly and unjustly. To re- 
quire of him a detail of the evidence, I should think unrea- 
sonable and improper. Unreasonable, because it might be 
impossible to present this detail, as cases may readily be con- 
ceived, where individuals, on whose information and testi- 
mony the judgment of the Bishop may be founded, would 
not consent to come forward in a public manner : and impro- 
per, because, by this procedure, I should bring my brother 
Bishop, and the person rejected by him, before my tribunal, 
and, by my decision, determine on the correctness of the 
conduct of the parties. And if I should decide in favor of 
the Bishop and against the other party, he might, by the pre- 
cedent, which I should establish, apply to all the other 
Bishops, and thus cite the Bishop, who has refused him 
orders, before their tribunals successively. Having full con- 
fidence in the capacity and integrity of my brother Bishop, I 
should think that, however he might err in matters of opin- 
ion, in regard to matters of fact, as in this case, to the moral 
fitness of the candidate, determined by the facts, of which he 
became possessed, and of which he could judge much better 
than myself, I ought to respect his decision. At any rate, 
conceiving that the canons, instead of favoring these appli- 
cations from rejected candidates, rather guard against them, 
and that though injustice might possibly be done, yet this 
possible case ought not to weigh against the certainty of the 
weakening of ecclesiastical discipline, and of the injury to 
the character, reputation and influence of my brother Bishop, 
I should think it decidedly the safest course not to ordain the 
candidate. 

" I have thus, Right Rev. and Dear Sir, with that frank- 
ness, which you have invited by your friendly and frank 
communication to me, stated my views on this unpleasant 
business. The case above supposed is that of Dr. Duca- 
chet. The ground of rejecting the supposed candidate, as 
I stated to you, and to some members of your Standing 
Committee, is the ground, on which I rejected Dr. D. The 
testimony, on which I formed my judgment, is the testimony 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 295 

of most respectable individuals, some of whom are the per- 
sonal friends of Dr. D., though they think him very unfit for 
the ministry. But more particularly, my judgment was de- 
cided by the published address, not on account merely of 
what some consider as reprehensible language, but of the 
matter, which amounts, in one case more particularly, to 
gross slander. The individual, whom he charges with be- 
ing e a dastardly traducer of Dr. Dykeman's character,' and 
holds up as deserving of * public execration,' is a most re- 
spectable and exemplary man, a member of our Vestry, and 
long a communicant of our Church ; — and I now repeat to 
you the assurance, that there is no ground whatsoever for 
this charge. This assurance is founded on a minute know- 
ledge of the circumstances of the case. The considerations, 
that this attack on character was without any provocation, 
that Dr. Ducachet had withdrawn from the medical pro- 
fession, and become a candidate for orders, and that the cir- 
cumstances, on which he professes to found the charge, took 
place nearly three years before the delivery of the address, 
or eulogium, much aggravate the offence. To require me 
to exhibit \ proof of all this would, I humbly conceive, be 
liable to the objections which I have stated in the supposed 
case ; and would, indeed, from the reluctance of individuals 
to come forward, be perhaps impracticable. And I do fur- 
ther respectfully suggest, whether, if credit cannot be given 
to the declarations' of a Bishop, as to the grounds, on which 
he has acted in rejecting a candidate, and the facts, on which 
his decision is founded, there is not an entire end to confi- 
dence and harmony between the Bishops. The power of 
ordination is a discretionary power, for the exercise of which 
a Bishop is responsible to God and the Church. The act 
of ordination is an admission to privileges, which no indi- 
vidual has a right to claim, — analogous to admission to the 
legal, or medical profession, or to membership in any society, 
which may be, and is, refused to individuals, on satisfactory 
evidence of unfitness, without the forms of a trial. 

" The act of a Bishop in ordaining a rejected candidate 
is not an independent act, affecting only himself ; inasmuch 



296 MEMOIR, &C. 

as it must fix c heterodoxy or injustice' on a brother Bishop. 
The reversal of the sentence of one court by another, is in a 
process of law not contemplated in cases of ordination. 
But even here, I should suppose, that, if a judge or jury 
pronounced a judgment, or verdict, relative not to legal 
points , but to matters of fact, on evidence laid before them, 
and another judge or jury, on the same evidence, pro- 
nounced a different decision, — the latter would be considered 
a crimination of the former. 

" With regard to the high and abundant recommendations 
of Dr. D., I would only remind yourself and the Standing 
Committee of the ease, with which testimonials may be pro- 
cured, and of the circumstance, that the testimony of a hun- 
dred persons, to the general good character of an individual, 
could not invalidate the testimony of two to his guilt, in any 
particular case. The persons, who met with Dr. D. on re- 
ligious occasions, where he would be on his guard, could 
not have had an opportunity of judging of the faults of his 
temper disqualifying him for the ministry. I can only say, 
that gentlemen, of the most respectable character and stand- 
ing, who know Dr. D., have expressed to me, not merely a 
cold, but the warmest, approbation of the course, which I 
have pursued. One gentleman, of judgment and discrimi- 
nation, who, by the representations made to him, became 
somewhat interested in Dr. D.'s favor, and consented to a 
personal interview with him, informed a friend of mine, that 
he thought no explanation, or justification, on my part neces- 
sary ; he was perfectly satisfied, from the language and con- 
duct of Dr. D. on that occasion, that I had done right in 
refusing him orders. 

" In the event of Dr. D.'s receiving orders, I shall find 
myself placed in a most unpleasant predicament. Unwea- 
ried pains have been taken to circulate extensively imputa- 
tions on me of severity, of tyranny and of injustice, in re- 
lation to Dr. D. I have submitted in silence, trusting for 
my vindication to the gradual progress of truth. But should 
these imputations receive sanction, (as they certainly will, 
though unintentionally on his part) by the ordination of Dr. 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 297 

D. by another Bishop, they will become much more serious 
in their import, and in their influence on my personal and 
official character and reputation. 

" I deprecate this measure even more on account of the 
effect, which it will have, as a precedent, on the Church, — 
weakening the legitimate exercise of Episcopal authority, 
and leading to an interruption of that confidence and har- 
mony among the Bishops, so essential to their dignity and 
usefulness, and to the honor and peace of the Church. 

" I must beg you to have the goodness to lay this letter 
before the Standing Committee. 
And I remain, 

Right Rev. and Dear Sir, 

Very respectfully and truly, 
Your friend and brother, 

J. H. HOBART." 

Shortly after despatching this communication, Bishop 
Hobart added another for the purpose, mainly, of amplifying 
one of the topics, to which he had just alluded in the former. 
It was dated, 

" New York, Sept. 9th, 1823. 

" Right Rev. and Dear Sir, — I wrote you from Quebec, 
informing you that the Bishop of Quebec, through his son, 
Arch-deacon Mountain, in answer to inquiries from Dr. Du- 
cachet's friends in that place, whether a candidate for orders 
from the States would receive ordination from him, returned 
for answer, — not unless he produced satisfactory testimonials, 
or letters dimissory from the Bishop, under whom he was a 
candidate. 

" I have been informed, since my return to the city, that 
Dr. Ducachet has written to his friends there, that the Stand- 
ing Committee of Rhode Island have recommended him as 
a candidate for orders, and that he expects to receive ordi- 
nation in a few months. There must, I presume, be some 
mistake in this ; as it does not follow from the recommenda- 
tion of the Standing Committee, that you have admitted him 



298 MEMOIR, &C. 

as a candidate, — and even in this case, a year must elapse 
before he can receive ordination ; and, as I am satisfied, he 
will not be able to produce an unimpeached character for 
piety, good morals and orderly conduct, for three years last 
past. 

" In my letter to you, I omitted to notice your remark, 
that Dr. Ducachet comes c very highly and abundantly re- 
commended.' 

" c You know how easy it is, from the indifference of 
many in such a case, or from compassion, or from a desire 
to escape from importunity,' or from false representations, to 
obtain testimonials. Against these, however, I should sup- 
pose, my declaration, that I received testimony the most re- 
spectable of Dr. Ducachet's unfitness, and particularly the 
fact of a slanderous publication by him, would have decided 
weight. A deliberate, and unprovoked, and slanderous at- 
tack on respectable individuals, evidencing, in connexion 
with other facts, c a disposition to intemperate abuse of cha- 
racter' is surely c a fault,' (I use the language of our vene- 
rable presiding Bishop) 6 than which there can scarcely be 
one more tending to the disgrace of the Christian ministry ;' 
and let me be permitted to go on with his opinion, — f One 
would hope that no Standing Committee would sign the re- 
quisite testimonial in favor of such a person. If this should 
be done, it might further be hoped, that the Standing Com- 
mittee of the Diocese applied to would not strain their con- 
sciences to the same extent. But we will suppose both 
these events to have happened. The opinion entertained is, 
that the Bishop applied to should disregard them both, and 
not take on himself the heavy responsibility which would 
result from his compliance.' 

" I have not seen the testimonials, to which you allude. 
But I presume they are signed by the religious companions 
of Dr. Ducachet, in whose society he probably has been 
careful never to exhibit those violent tempers, which he has 
elsewhere displayed ; — and by others, whose signatures have 
been obtained by the assiduous application and misrepresen- 
tations of interested individuals. Where is the person, who, 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 299 

by certain arts, cannot obtain, from some person, or from 
some quarter, testimonials of character ? 

" Allow me, Right Rev. and Dear Sir, to suppose it scarce- 
ly possible, that a candidate for orders, rejected by one 
Bishop, on the ground of c moral unfitness, arising from a 
disposition to intemperate abuse of character,' should be 
received as a candidate by another, on whom, as there were 
other Bishops, more contiguous to the residence of the 
candidate, there was no particular call to attend to his case ; 
and that this should be done, in deviation from the prudent 
and judicious course pointed out, in an opinion delivered at 
the request of this Bishop, by the presiding Bishop ; in op- 
position to the earnest and solemn representations of the 
Bishop, who rejected the candidate, that this measure was 
the result of serious deliberation and inquiry, and of satis- 
factory testimony of impartial individuals, who had the full- 
est opportunity of judging of his dispositions and charac- 
ter; and in disregard of the fact, that an eulogium, delivered 
and published by him, in departure from his appropriate cha- 
racter as a candidate for the ministry, contained, not merely 
unprovoked and unmerited invective, but slanderous charges 
against respectable individuals. 

" If Dr. Ducachet be admitted as a candidate for orders 
in the Eastern Diocese, then it will be impossible to prevent 
the community from drawing the conclusion, that the charges 
of c injustice and intolerable oppression,' c of unreasonable 
severity and tyranny,' which have been industriously and 
extensively circulated against me, have received the high 
sanction of the Ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese ; the 
Episcopal character and office will be lowered in public es- 
timation ; — distrust and division will, in the present instance, 
and hereafter, if the precedent should be followed, be intro- 
duced among those, who, from their eminent stations in the 
Church, it is of peculiar importance, should exhibit, in the 
exercise of discipline especially, unity of counsel, and mu- 
tual confidence and co-operation ; — and then the guards, 
with which the Canons of the Church have so solicitously 
surrounded the door of entrance into the ministry, will be 



300 MEMOIR, &C. 

materially weakened. It is the result on the general in- 
terests of our Church, which, even more than its effects as 
to my personal and official character, excites, with respect to 
this measure, my deepest solicitude. 

" I expected to proceed from Canada on a visitation of 
the Diocese ; but the morning I left Quebec, I was attacked 
with fever, for the third time this summer, and was induced 
to make the best of my way home. The state of my health, 
in the opinion of my physicians and friends, renders highly 
expedient a sea voyage, and a respite from official cares and 
labors ; I accordingly expect to sail for England on the 24th 
of this month. I must previously prepare my address to our 
Convention, exhibiting an account of my proceedings, 
among which I must, of course, mention my rejection of 
Dr. Ducachet, as a candidate for orders. I shall, therefore, 
esteem it a great favor, if you will, as early as convenient, 
acquaint me with your determination as to this case, and if 
he be admitted as a candidate, at what time it is proposed 
to ordain him. 

I remain, 

Right Rev. and dear Sir, 

Sincerely your friend and brother, 

J. H. HOBART." 

4 



The Right Rev. 
Bishop Griswold. 



Very soon after the receipt of this communication, the 
Conventions met of both Dioceses ; that of the Eastern, 
September 25th, and that of New York, October 21st ; and 
as Bishop Hob art would have to lay his proceedings and 
views on the case before the latter body,* Bishop Griswold, 
it seems, instead of the continuance of a direct correspond- 
ence, preferred taking the same course. Upon the de- 
livery of his Annual Address, therefore, he laid his pro- 

* At the meeting of the New York Convention, although Bishop Hobart 
had sailed for England, yet his Annual Address was read by the Secretary; 
and embodied a full statement of the case of Dr. Ducachet, including the 
whole previous correspondence between Bishop Griswold and himself, with 
additional prefatory and concluding remarks. 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 301 

ceedings and views on the case before the Convention of 
his Diocese, in the following statement of what had trans- 
pired at the date of the meeting of that body. 

" To the list of Candidates for holy orders have been 
added the names of" — several individuals, and among them 
that of— " Henry W. Ducaehet." 

" Respecting the gentleman last mentioned, it will be 
proper, both for information, and to prevent misapprehension, 
to state, that, during the greater part of a year, he was a 
candidate in the Diocese of New York. A short time before 
the meeting of the General Convention last May, I received 
an official notification from the Bishop of that Diocese, that 
he had refused to give Mr. Ducaehet orders. Our Canons 
do not, in such case, prohibit an application elsewhere ; and 
he applied to the Standing Committee of the State of Rhode 
Island, requesting to be admitted as a candidate here. The 
Standing Committee, consisting of eight respectable and 
judicious members, all met in council on this difficult and 
interesting question, and gave it, I have good reason to be- 
lieve, a faithful examination. I had previously written to 
the Bishop of New York, informing him of Mr. Ducachet's 
application to this Diocese, and requesting a statement of 
the objections against his receiving orders. A long, particu- 
lar, and very friendly answer was promptly returned. This 
correspondence has also been laid before the Standing Com- 
mittee. Mr. Ducaehet produced abundant testimonials to 
his talents, piety, good morals, and respectability of cha- 
racter. With a view to the Christian ministry, he had re- 
linquished a successful practice in an honorable profession* 
The ground, on which he had been rejected, was violence 
of temper, and his having used language injurious to the 
character of individuals. Some instances of this, not to be 
justified, were produced ; but not, in the judgment of our 
Standing Committee, to a degree, which ought to debar him 
from being admitted as a candidate for the ministry in this 
Diocese. He was accordingly recommended; seven of the 
Committee signed his testimonials. He is not ordained, but 
received, as other candidates, on probation : Should any 

cc 



302 MEMOIR, &C. 

reasons hereafter appear, why he ought not to receive orders, 
they will be duly considered. 

" I desire, also, it may be distinctly and very carefully 
understood, that, in thus receiving him as a candidate, there 
is not intended, and ought not to be implied, any manner of 
censure, or even disapprobation, of what was done by the 
Ecclesiastical authority in the other Diocese. The highly 
respectable Bishop, who presides there, undoubtedly did 
what he conscientiously believed the honor of the Church 
and the cause of religion required ; and very possibly has 
acted a wiser part than myself. This case is becoming pub- 
lic and well known. If in any thing I have done wrong, I 
can, by such misconduct, injure no character but my own. 
There may be reasons for refusing a man orders in one Dio- 
cese, which are not of equal weight in another. And that 
men should difTer in judgment is one of the most common 
things in life. A number of Judges, who hear a cause, 
with the same evidence of facts, and the same arguments of 
counsel before them, are often in their decisions divided, 
and, in many cases, equally divided. Each one acts con- 
scientiously according to his own best judgment, without 
designing or even thinking of any censure upon the opinions 
of those who judge differently. And I can truly say, that 
should our brethren, in any other Diocese, judge that one, 
who has been rejected in this, might be useful in the minis- 
try among them, and should ordain him, I should be pleased 
rather than offended ; should sincerely pray that he might 
not disappoint their expectations ; and should rejoice to hear 
of his well-doing. 

" During the sitting of the last General Convention, with 
reference to this case the opinion of the House of Bishops 
was requested. From what was said on the subject, I was 
rather inclined to the course, which I have since pursued. 
The presiding Bishop, whose opinion is always highly and 
very justly esteemed, stated in writing his view of the 
general question ; but not in such terms, or under such sup- 
posed circumstances, as, in my apprehension, to include the 
present case. In all the cases he put, it was supposed that 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 303 

the second Bishop applied to is to be a judge of the other's 
conduct ; he views it as i predicating an ordination on the 
ground of the unreasonable severity, and, as it would be 
termed, tyranny, of another Bishop.' In such a case, my 
judgment would coincide with his. But such is not my 
view of the present case. I am not called, nor am I autho- 
rized, to judge of the principles, or character, or official con- 
duct of another Bishop. My part, in this business, is not 
to decide whether Mr. Ducachet ought to have been ordain- 
ed in another Diocese, but whether he may with propriety 
be received as a candidate in this ? Permit me, then, to re- 
peat that I do not, and that I ought not to judge, nor do I 
in this case entertain any opinion contrary to Christian 
charity, respecting ' the heterodoxy or injustice of a brother 
Bishop.' With such a view of the case, I see no need of 
' taking the advice of some brother Bishops' further than I 
have done. Their advice on this and every important point 
will ever be heard by me with pleasure, and, I trust, re- 
spectfully and duly regarded. If Mr. Ducachet were now 
ordained, on the score of his having been a candidate in 
the other Diocese, the case would be materially different ; 
but, as the case is, he is received on trial, and, like other 
candidates, to be ordained, or not, as he is found worthy. 

" This, undoubtedly, is a case of some importance ; and 
must be decided with impartial regard to Ecclesiastical dis- 
cipline, and to the character and claims of an individual. 
We must respect the honor of the Church, that we neither 
bring it into contempt by enervating its just authority, nor 
give countenance to the prejudice, which unhappily exists 
respecting its arbitrary exercise of power. Chiefly must we 
regard the interests of religion ; the prosperity of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom. The utmost vigilance should unques- 
tionably be used respecting the character and qualifications 
of those admitted to holy orders. Not only does this re- 
quire the exercise of all the wisdom given us, but we are 
devoutly to pray the Lord of the harvest to send such labor- 
ers as he approves ; we must look in faith and earnest sup- 



304 MEMOIR, &C 



plication to Him, who knows and rules the hearts of men. 
No Christian is authorized to hope, nor ought he to expect, 
that our Churches will or can be well supplied with clergy- 
men, except he often and fervently prays to God to send 
them. And if we see Churches vacant, or, what is worse, 
filled with disqualified, or unfaithful ministers, our first 
thought should be, whether we have been faithful. Have 
we used the means and efforts, which our Lord has given 
and directed for preventing such great evils ? Have we 
prayed as we ought, to c the Lord of the harvest ?' " 

Though this extract from the Address was not put forth 
as a formal answer to the communications from Bishop Ho- 
bart, yet it will be evident to the attentive reader, that it 
was written with a careful and wise reference to those com- 
munications, and in fact contains an answer to every import- 
ant point, which they embraced : and perhaps it will not be 
deemed inconsistent with my relation, as an impartial narrator 
of facts, to say ; that it evinces not only a fair and respectful, 
a kind and Christian regard for the position and the opinions 
of the eminent and Right Rev. Brethren, who sought to 
influence his action in the premises, but also a clear and 
thorough insight into the case ; a mind, in short, which, 
while it respected the judgment of others, was calmly 
poised on its own just sense of things, and felt its own 
ground too well not to act on it with decision and with 
confidence. 

Thus far, however, his action had been only introductory ; 
and it still remained to be seen whether Mr. Ducachet would 
be actually admitted to the orders, for which he had thus 
become the second time a candidate. The documents 
which follow, have never been given to the public ; but 
they will shew what steps were taken to prepare the way 
for Mr. D.'s ordination, and, in part at least, on what grounds 
the Bishop finally proceeded to ordain him. The first is 
part of a letter from Dr. Jarvis, including an extract from 
one, which he had received from a gentleman in New 
York : 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 305 

" Boston, Feb. 5th, 1824. 

" Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir — ***** 
****** I some time ago told Dr. 
Ducachet my opinion, that a reconciliation between him and 
Dr. Watts ought to take place, as a preliminary to any ap- 
plication for orders. To bring about this desirable event, 
I wrote to Mr. John Pintard of New York, who, I knew, 
was a friend of both parties, requesting him to call on Dr. 
Watts, and learn from him what were the grounds of his 
difference with Dr. Ducachet, and on what terms he would 
consent to a reconciliation. A few days since, I received 
an answer," (from Mr. Pintard,) " from which I copy the 
passage relative to this subject, which I think will give you 
pleasure. 

"'The obtuseness of my hearing,' (says Mr. Pintard,) 
c induced me to approach Dr. Watts through the medium of 
Mr. Eastburn and Mr. Hill, both warm, the latter the bosom 
friend of Dr. Ducachet. The result of this interview, last 
evening, I give in Mr. Eastburn's words : ' I called, with 
Mr. John H. Hill, on Dr. Watts, with whom we had a long 
conversation. We agree in saying, that Dr. Watts acted the 
part of a Christian and a gentleman. He stated explicitly, 
that he had never believed that Dr. D. was actuated by 
any malignity towards him. On the contrary, that Dr. D. 
had been carried away by the natural warmth and impetu- 
osity of his disposition, on misrepresentation made to him 
by others. In no other way could he account, even to this 
day, for the attack on his character. Dr. W. added that 
whatever momentary irritation he might have felt, he had 
deemed it his duty to dismiss it from him. As a Christian, he 
did not, and could not retain it.' — He said, c that he sincerely 
wished Dr. D. every success in his new profession ;' and 
added, ' that he' (Dr. W.) 'should feel extremely sorry if the 
occurrence should either retard his advancement, or affect 
his usefulness. ' Indeed,' he said, * i" do not think it ought. 
What Dr. D. said in his address is not of sufficient moment 
to produce such a result.' On our asking Dr. W. what 
apology would satisfy him? he promptly replied ; 'that he 

cc* 



306 MEMOIR, &C. 

did not wish for any at all, nor did he think the case re- 
quired it. Believing Dr. D. to be altogether innocent of 
any malicious intention, he had ever disclaimed any apology 
from him. All he had wished, at first, was, to ascertain the 
source of the information, on which his attack was founded ; 
but that even this he was willing to pass by.' Dr. W. con- 
cluded with good wishes for Dr. D.'s £ happiness and pros- 
perity.' " (Thus far Mr. Eastburn's report. But Mr. Pin- 
tard continues :) ' Although Dr. Watts disclaimed any 
apology, it is the opinion of Mr. Hill and myself, that his 
conduct ought to be met with equal magnanimity on the part 
of Dr. Ducachet ; and it will be to his credit and comfort to 
give, through the medium of his friend, some explanation to 
Dr. W— .' 

" 4 This, my dear and Rev. friend,' (says Mr. Pintard) 
< will, I trust, prove perfectly satisfactory to you, and, I trust, 
to Dr. D., to whom his friend, Mr. Hill, will no doubt 
write ; and that Dr. D. will conform to the wish expressed 
by Messrs. E. and H., which must tend to remove the stig- 
ma on his character, and the very unfavorable impression on 
the minds of Bishop Hobart's friends here. After the ordi- 
nation of Dr. D., it appears to me that it will be due to 
Bishop Griswold for him, (Dr. D.,) to publish his vindica- 
tion.' " 

" < This extract from Mr. Pintard's letter' " (adds Dr. 
Jarvis) " ' is long ; but its importance will, I trust, justify 
my inserting it here. I have not seen Dr. D. since I re- 
ceived it, nor have I written him ; thinking it best to lay the 
matter before you, and leave it for him to act on the sugges- 
tion of his friends in New York. 
I am, Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, 

Your affectionate son and servant in the Lord, 

Samuel F. J ah vis.' " 

To the Right Reverend 

Alexander V. Griswold, D. D., ) 
Bishop of the Eastern Diocese. £ 

After Dr. Ducachet had remained a candidate for orders, 
for the term of one year from the date of this application to 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 307 

the Standing Committee of Rhode Island, — Bishop Griswold, 
having determined on his ordination, proposed that it should 
take place simultaneously with the consecration of a new 
Church in Leicester, Massachusetts, in which State Dr. 
D. was laboring as a candidate and lay-reader, and where 
he had a call to settle as minister of a parish, as soon as he 
should be in orders. Here, however, a new difficulty arose. 
The Standing Committee of Massachusetts refused to recom- 
mend him for orders, on the ground that, as he had been 
admitted a candidate by the Committee in Rhode Island, 
they were the proper body to act in bringing his case to its 
issue. But, as he had not what the Canon denominates " a 
title" in Rhode Island, that is, a call to settlement from 
some parish within that State, the Bishop for several months 
longer delayed action in the matter of his ordination. It 
was during this period of delay that he received the two 
following, among many other communications : 

" Boston, May 28th, 1824. 
" Right Reverend and dear Sir, — As Dr. Ducachet has 
been admitted a candidate for orders in Rhode Island, and 
continued so the whole canonical term,* there seems a pecu- 
liar hardship in putting obstacles in his way at this late 
period, when from all I can learn, his character has been so 
irreproachable, as to conciliate the esteem of all, who have 
known him. The Standing Committee of Rhode Island 
having recommended him for orders, it is clear, that, if he 
had a title in that State, no one would have a right to op- 

* Strictly speaking, this statement is incorrect. Dr. D. had remained a 
candidate for one year from the date of his application to the Standing 
Committee of Rhode Island. By that Committee, however, he was not re- 
ceived as a candidate until the 25th of July ; so that, though in ordinary 
cases, candidateship was often, by a sort of mutual understanding, reckoned 
from the date of application, yet, in strictness, Dr. D. did not complete his 
canonical term till the 25th of July : and Bishop Griswold assigned this 
fact to Dr. D. as one reason for his delay. As the case was an extraordi- 
nary one, he finally thought it best to enforce a literal observance of the 
Canon. The real delay in the case was only from July 25th to August 
15th, or three weeks. 



308 MEMOIR, &C. 

pose his ordination, except on charges, affecting his moral 
character. It is also, clear, by the 13th Canon, that, if he 
were to be ordained Priest, the Standing Committee of the 
State, for which he should be ordained, must either know that 
some Church, in that State, would receive and settle him as 
their minister, or must certify to the Bishop their full belief 
and expectation, that he would be so settled. But, as he is 
only to be ordained Deacon, I see not why it is necessary 
that he should have any title at all. To ordain him, espe- 
cially for a parish in Massachusetts, on the recommendation 
of the Standing Committee of Rhode Island, would, I appre- 
hend, be inconsistent with the Canon, to which I have re- 
ferred. But, by the same Canon, a Deacon is subject to the 
regulation of the Bishop, and may be sent by him any where. 
Why, then, should not Dr. Ducachet be ordained Deacon in 
Rhode Island without any title ? If, after his ordination as a 
clergyman of that State, you think proper to send him into 
Massachusetts, I presume none of the clergy of this State, 
will oppose it. At least, I can answer for myself, that I shall 
not. When he has served the whole term of his Diaconate, 
the Standing Committee of Massachusetts will, of course, be 
the only body, to which he will apply for testimonials for 
Priest's orders. 

It is high time, it seems to me, to put a stop to this most 
unpleasant collision of sentiment, and this cruel torture to the 
feelings of a gentleman of Dr. Ducachet's character. 
I am, Right Reverend and dear Sir, 
Very faithfully and truly, 

Your son and servant in the Lord, 

Samuel F. Jarvis." 

% 



The Right Reverend 
Bishop Grisavold 



The delay, to which reference is here made, seems to have 
arisen, on the part of Bishop Griswold, not only from the fact 
that Dr. D. was laboring in Massachusetts while he belonged 
canonically to Rhode Island, but also from some indiscre- 
tipns on the part of Dr. D.'s friends, in writing to the Bishop 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 309 

and urging his speedy ordination, with a somewhat unbe- 
coming importunity ; indiscretions, to which the Bishop sup- 
posed Dr. D. might himself have been privy. A communi- 
cation from the latter, however, at a later period, convinced 
the Bishop, that there was no ground for his supposition, but 
that, however anxious Dr. D. was for the termination of his 
trial, he was perfectly satisfied with the Bishop's course, and 
perfectly willing to leave his case in the Bishop's hands. 
But neither the above communication from Dr. Jarvis, nor 
the following from Dr. Milnor, was among the number of 
the epistolary indiscretions, to which I have alluded ; on the 
contrary, they each weighed favorably on the final decision 
of the case. Dr. M. wrote as follows : 

« New York, June 23d, 1824 
" Right Rev. and dear Sir, — I am duly sensible of the 
risk, to which I expose myself, of incurring your displeasure, 
by presuming to write to you on a subject, with which I have 
no special concern, except that arising out of the claims of 
personal friendship ; unless, indeed, an apology be found in 
the deep sense of what, in my judgment, is claimed by jus- 
tice to an injured individual, and by a regard to the good of 
the Church. If I know my own heart, I have been in- 
fluenced by no motives of a sinister kind in my advocacy of 
the cause of Dr. Ducachet. I have always considered his 
as a case, that was to stand on its own merits, and not to de- 
pend for its issue upon those differing views, which, on some 
points, obtain among the members of our communion ; but 
which, for one, I have never considered as by any means 
marshalling them into contending parties. Indeed, such are 
the varying grades of sentiment and feeling on the questions, 
that have been, from time to time, agitated, that I consider 
a division into two parties about as impracticable as it would 
be undesirable, and injurious to the interests of our Zion. 

" It is for this reason, that I have avoided all participation 
in the disputes carried on in pamphlets and in periodical pub- 
lications, at home and abroad; though the authorship of 



310 MEMOIR, &C. 

some pieces has been mistakingly attributed to me, and I 
have been, on that supposition, assailed by their answerers. 
The truth, as I view it, I must preach ; conscientious obliga- 
tions of duty I must fulfil : but I have carefully abstained 
from all personal attacks, and have, I believe, been enabled 
to bear, with meekness, such as have been unkindly made by 
others upon my principles and conduct. To the doctrines, 
discipline and worship of the Church I am sincerely at- 
tached ; and if I am compelled to think, that these do not 
warrant certain opinions, that are entertained by some, nor 
forbid certain exertions for the promotion of Christian union 
and vital piety, that are employed by others, I nevertheless 
entertain no uncharitable or angry sentiments tow r ards those, 
from whom I differ; but look forward to the time when 
mutual explanations and increased liberality of feeling shall 
lessen our apparent disparities, and make us willing to con- 
cede to each other the right of mildly differing where we 
cannot perfectly agree. 

" These things are mentioned, only to repel the insinua- 
tion, which a few of those most opposed to Dr. Ducachet 
have, I think not very generously, thrown out, of his friends 
being influenced by party feeling ; whereas, for one, I am 
free to declare, that I would at once abandon his cause, if I 
did not believe in my heart, as far as regards its merits up to 
the time of his leaving this Diocese, (and I know of nothing 
that has since occurred to affect it,) that it rests upon the 
principles of substantial justice. And I am persuaded that 
this is the prevailing impression, both in and out of the 
Church, with but very few exceptions, and those principally 
of individuals accustomed to defer implicitly to the judgment 
of one, who, with all the talents he unquestionably possesses, 
would not, I presume, claim the praise of an exemption from 
the possibility of error. So far as I can learn, impartial men 
every where accord with the clear views exhibited on this 
subject in the communication, which you made to the Con- 
vention of your Diocese ; and disapprove of the personal feel- 
ing, manifested in the one made to that of the Diocese from 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 311 

which I now write ; and have been anxiously looking for- 
ward to the ordination of Dr. Ducachet, as a measure of strict 
propriety and of certain occurrence. That it has been de- 
layed beyond the required term, I would not intimate as a 
ground of complaint ; considering the excitement, however 
unjustified, which for a time prevailed. But now, that feel- 
ing has, in a good degree, subsided, will you, Right Rev. 
Sir, excuse me for presuming to say, that, if no canonical 
impediment occurs, it would be highly gratifying to many 
friends of yourself and of the Church to see this matter, now 
so painfully suspended, brought to its expected conclusion ? 
" From the Rev. Mr. Adams, when on his way to South 
Carolina, I learnt that a competent number of the Standing 
Committee of Rhode Island, (including himself,) had signed 
the required testimonial ; but that the Rev. Mr. W., who 
had taken up an early prejudice on the subject, and another 
clerical member of the Committee, — though they would not 
oppose Dr. Ducachet's ordination, yet declined subscribing 
that document. Col. J., also called to see me, on his re- 
turn from Virginia, and stated his sanguine expectation that 
the ordination had taken place at the same time with the 
consecration of a Church in Massachusetts. From other 
sources, I have since learnt, that some of the clergy in Massa- 
chusetts suggested a formal difficulty in the way of that 
measure, resulting from the candidate's belonging, not to 
their State, but to Rhode Island. Now I suppose, the same 
difficulty would be considered as opposing an official recom- 
mendation for orders by the Standing Committee of Massa- 
chusetts, as was successfully urged against his ordination 
there, on the recommendation of that of Rhode Island ; and 
therefore, unless he can be ordained in the latter State on the 
canonical testimonials that have been furnished, Dr. D. must 
give up his hopes of a ministerial commission altogether : for 
those efforts, which, it is to be feared, have hitherto been em- 
ployed to prevent entire unanimity in Rhode Island, will, I 
have no doubt, continue to be availably exerted ; and espe- 
cially if it be believed, that the want of it will be a barrier 



312 memoir, Sac. 

to prevent his ordination, and that a minority may, by per- 
severing opposition, defeat the wishes of the majority. 

"I have not supposed, that any objection to his ordination 
in Rhode Island could arise from Dr. Ducachet's temporary 
non-residence in that State during his period of study ; as 
cases are constantly occurring, where an allowed residence, 
and particularly as, in this case, associated with the perform- 
ance of authorized duties, in another State, is not considered 
to affect the claim of the candidate to ordination in that, 
where he was previously received as a candidate. This has 
been the case with many of our young gentlemen in the 
General Theological Seminary; and I have known other 
cases, in which a similar principle has been recognized. 

" On the whole, though it is with unaffected diffidence I 
make the suggestion, if no canonical objection can be urged 
to the measure, may not the friends of Dr. D., after his ap- 
proved reception as a candidate, and his compliance with 
every requisite for ordination, indulge the hope that you will 
kindly relieve his and their anxiety by investing him with 
orders ? I am persuaded that it will be a proceeding, which 
will meet the approbation of the unbiased friends of the 
Church in every region of our country ; for the case of Dr. 
D. is generally known, and has excited an unusual degree 
of sympathy and interest. In my own congregation, where 
he was for some time known as one of the foremost in piety 
and zeal, much solicitude in his behalf exists ; and I hope this 
circumstance will furnish a further apology for my venturing 
on the delicate office of writing to you upon the subject. If 
I shall have offended against propriety in doing so, I must 
put myself on your known goodness for pardon. You will, 
I am sure, Right Rev. Sir, justly appreciate my assurance 
that no offensive interference has been designed, nor any 
umbrage intended, either personally to yourself, as the ven- 
erated judge, on whom devolves the task of decision, or to 
any of those, from whom I have been obliged to differ in 
relation to the unhappy issue of Dr. D.'s former application, 
" Earnestly praying that the great Head of the Church 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 313 

may cause all your measures in this case to eventuate in his 
own glory, and the good of His mystical body, and finally 
reward your laborious exertions for the promotion of both. 
I remain, Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, 

Most respectfully and affectionately, yours , 

James Milnor." 

The Right Rev. ) 

Alexander V. Griswold, D. D. £ 

But, letters in favor of Dr. D.'s ordination were not the 
only ones, which the Bishop received during this period of 
protracted delay. To shew how important the case was 
deemed, and how extensively it awakened the attention of 
the Church, I insert one more out of the mass of documents 
before me. 

« Beaufort, (S. C.,) April 23d, 1824. 

"Right Rev. and dear Sir, — The present is pregnant with 
great things, both political and religious. Good men must 
see this and tremble. From causes, which it is difficult to 
exhibit, we have already arrived at a state of great instability. 
Much is daily said and done both for political and for reli- 
gious liberty; but are we not fast approaching a crisis, in 
which both will be lost ? Can a nation be free, that places 

such a man on their throne as a ? Can religious 

liberty be enjoyed, when a Bishop is forced to give holy 
orders to any one, whom he honestly believes not worthy ? 

" That you would willingly give any cause of offence to a 
brother Bishop is not for a moment to be conceived. Or 
that you would deliberately degrade or lessen authority, is 
not to be believed. But, in fact, will you not do both by 

giving orders to Dr. ? We are fully sensible how 

great an interest is made for him ; and we doubt not, that you 
have prayerfully considered the subject ; yet the best of men 
err in judgment. Who will be the first to break the golden 
chain of harmony which has existed among the American 
Bishops ? And what may be the consequences if this should 
take place ? Pause, most Rev. Sir ; and may the God of 
wisdom fill your soul with light, and enable you to judge and 
act for the glory of our Zion. 

PD 



314 MEMOIR, &C. 

" Suppose the individual to be an injured man, is it not 
better that one man should suffer, than that such a bold ad- 
venture should be made ? We are fully aware, that it is 
more reasonable that both parties in this case should err, than 
that both should be right. Men generally proceed to ex- 
tremes; and the extremes in our Church are awfully great. 
Do not Antinomian principles already exist in our Church? 
Look at our angry disputes: is it not the great effort to mis- 
represent, and abuse ; to satirize and defame ; and not to 
instruct and enlighten, and consequently to make better 
men? 

" May the God of all mercy and wisdom be your ready 
help, in this your day of trial, for Christ's sake, is the prayer 
of A Weak member of our Zion." 

The Right Rev. Bishop Griswold. 

It is hazarding nothing to say, that the apparent piety of 
this anonymous epistle weighed vastly more with the Bishop, 
than its avowed argument. The time of decision at length 
came. After hearing all that could be said on either side, 
and after being charged with injustice and presumption by 
one class, and with hesitation and vacillancy by another, he 
proceeded, with the consciousness that he was justly charge- 
able with neither the one, nor the other, to admit Dr. Duca- 
chet to Deacon's orders. His ordination took place in Bris- 
tol, Rhode Island, on the 15th of August, 1824 ; and it only 
remains to give the Bishop's own view of this his decisive 
act in the case. It is contained in his Annual Address to 
his Convention, assembled in Portland, Maine, Sept. 29th ; 
and is as follows : 

" On the 15th of the same month, Henry W. Ducachet 
was ordained Deacon. 

" The case of this gentleman, and the views with which 
he was admitted as a candidate in this Diocese, were stated 
in my address to our last Convention. Our Canons evidently 
allow, and a just regard to the rights of men requires, that a 
person, who has been refused orders in one Diocese, may be 
ordained in another. It is only made necessaiy, before he is 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C 315 



received as a candidate, to ascertain and duly consider the 
reasons, for which he was refused. If these reasons, so far 
as they can be ascertained, do not amount to what (in the 
Diocese to, which the second application is made) is in other 
cases deemed a disqualification, they ought not, in my judg- 
ment, to be so deemed in this : to reject an applicant in 
such case would evidently be unjust. On this ground was 
Dr. D. received in this Diocese as a candidate for holy 
orders. 

" The chief objection to this proceeding, which has come 
to my knowledge, is, that it may be viewed as an indirect 
censure upon the ecclesiastical authority, which had before 
refused orders. This objection I have formally, and I hope 
satisfactorily, obviated. Such are the circumstances of the 
present case, and such the principles, on which I have acted, 
that it can no more justly be considered as a censure, or even 
disapprobation, of what was done in New York, than a dif- 
ference of opinion between any two gentlemen, or of judg- 
ment between two courts, is a censure upon each other ; nor, 
indeed, even so much ; because circumstances may render 
it inexpedient to ordain him in the one Diocese, which do 
not exist in the other. We might, indeed, add ; that, ad- 
mitting the objection were correct and well founded, the ap- 
prehension that another might be censured would be no good 
reason for refusing to do justly. But this, in my view, ought 
not to be supposed, nor made a matter of any consideration. 
If any one, whom we have refused orders in this Diocese, 
could be received and made useful in another, which of us 
would not rejoice and bless God? Let it be duly considered 
that human judgment is not infallible ; that all men are liable 
to err ; and that nothing is more common than difference of 
opinion, where circumstances do not differ. And who can- 
not see that two Standing Committees, or two Bishops, may 
judge differently of facts, or qualifications, or expediency, 
without either intending or causing any manner of censure ? 
We certainly in this case intend none : nothing can be further 
from our view : and indeed, what has been done in another 
Diocese cannot be rendered more or less wise by any thing, 



316 MEMOIR, &C. 

that we do. It may also be, that discipline is generally more 
rigid in one Diocese than in another ; or the qualifications, 
so far as they are left (and in a great degree they are and 
must be left) discretionary, may be different. Discipline 
may be too lax, or too rigid ; and there may, without any 
disparagement to the parties concerned, be some difference 
of opinion respecting the just medium. From these con- 
siderations it is evident, that the authority in one Diocese 
may discreetly reject a candidate, and another, without any 
indiscretion, or impropriety, receive him. 

It seems to be the opinion of some, that though a man, so 
refused, may be received as a candidate, yet he ought not to 
be ordained till the Bishop, first refusing him, gives his con- 
sent ; and of course, without such consent, he must never be 
ordained. But this course would be the most objectionable 
of any ; it would operate more to the injury of the candidate 
than, at his second application, to refuse him without a hear- 
ing. And it would lead to this greater evil of admitting, 
that the authority in one Diocese may interfere in, and ob- 
struct, the business of another. When a Bishop has dismissed 
a candidate and canonically given his reasons for refusing 
him orders, he has then, in regard to himself, finished the 
business. His further assent, or dissent, is, in my judgment, 
of no more concern than that of any other Bishop. The 
history of the Church, in ages past, must be surely sufficient 
to teach us the importance of maintaining the just power and 
equal independence of each Diocese, and of allowing no 
paramount authority but that, which is voluntarily delegated 
for the common good. 

"I speak, brethren, the more particularly on this case, 
because it is in some respects a novel one, and may become 
a precedent. It is my duty to lay before you my views of 
the business, and the principles, on which I have acted. If 
they are unreasonable, or unsound, the sooner they are cor- 
rected the better. And it would be gratifying to me, should 
the Convention deem it fitting to express an opinion on the 
subject ; and the rather, as the counsel, which I have chiefly 
had, is that of the Standing Committee of one State only." 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH BISHOP HOBART, &C. 317 

I have thus given all the important documents, which be- 
long to this case. What I have given are sufficient, and 
were required, to exhibit a fair view of the whole, in its 
principles and bearings, in its extent and importance. The 
motives, the views and the conduct of the Bishop I leave to 
the judgment of the candid and attentive reader. These it 
is not my duty to justify, any further than they may find justi- 
fication in the documents, which he has left. I have deemed 
it right to insert these papers, though of so great length, be- 
cause, whatever may be thought of the individuals con- 
cerned, particularly of the candidate, whose character they 
involve, they imbody a case, which has had much influence 
upon the position and action of our great association of Dio- 
ceses in the United States. Few other cases, perhaps, have 
had more influence than this, in defining the relative position 
of these Dioceses towards each other, or in shaping the ac- 
tion of their intercourse with each other. It is a case full of 
principles. An attentive study of it will shew that, in it are 
shadowed forth two great theories, either the one, or the 
other of which is to overspread and control the destinies of 
our American Episcopacy ; or both of which are to become 
so blended into one as that neither shall tend to its extreme, 
while each acts, with as much of good and as little of evil, as 
are compatible with the condition of the Church while in 
contact with the world. It shews the deep sympathy, which, 
on some points, the various Dioceses have with each other, 
as parts of one great whole, bound together for one grand 
and common destiny : while it reveals the important rights, 
which, on other points, each Diocese possesses as a separate 
body, an equal weight with others in the balance, which is 
to hold us all in peaceful poise. Upon that sympathy it did 
not, on the whole, inflict any serious wound. Around these 
rights it drew a distinct line of guards. That wound, so far 
as it was one, has, it is believed, long since ceased to be 
felt. These guards, as they were then drawn, will, it may 
be hoped, stand as long as the constitution of our American 
Episcopacy endures. 

DD* 



318 MEMOIR, &C. 



That such a case, as has now been recorded, should have 
agitated the Church, with deep and widespread feeling, was 
doubtless inevitable. It was equally inevitable, that a first 
case like that should, sooner or later, have occurred. Per- 
haps it could not have occurred under more favorable cir- 
cumstances, than those, which we have reviewed. On the 
one hand, was a man of ardent temperament, high powers, 
and, from his position as well as from his character, of wide- 
ly felt influence ; capable of moving the associated masses 
of our system with a power, which, all things considered, 
was entrusted to no other single individual. On the other 
hand, was a man of calm wisdom, clear intelligence, and 
deep judgment ; a man, too, meek as he was wise, prudent 
as he was intelligent, and firm as he was deep-judging. 
While, between them, was an individual every way calcu- 
lated to excite a strong interest in himself, in which direc- 
tion soever, favorable, or unfavorable, that interest might 
happen to lie. In short, all the circumstances of the case 
were full of power. The movement throughout the Church 
was therefore deep and thorough ; and the principles, which 
the case involved, were wrought into our ecclesiastical con- 
stitution with corresponding depth and thoroughness ; while 
the sweet spirit of our Eastern Bishop, combined with his 
entire mastery of the case and his prudent firmness in its 
management, was like a power, sent of God to put bounds 
to the agitation, and as an emollient furnished by Him to 
sooth, or to heal, whatever of pain, or of wound, may have 
been inevitable under the circumstances of such a conflict. 
" The golden chain," of brotherhood among our Bishops was 
not then broken. Second applications for orders, after a 
first refusal, have not been either multiplied, or facilitated. 
While the right both to make and to grant them, under 
proper circumstances, may be considered as now placed 
among the axioms, on which our canon law rests, and must_ 
continue to rest, until fundamental change shall have re- 
moved it from our system. 

By a letter from the Rev. Dr. Hawks to Bishop Griswold, 



CASE OF MR. BRISTED. 319 

in the year 1841, I perceive that this case, in its bearings 
on the interpretation of our Canon-law, has already been 
examined, and the principles, involved in it, developed at 
large, — in " The Church Record," a periodical of which 
Dr. H. was then Editor. I have never seen the examina- 
tion to which I refer ; but, from the well known ability of 
Dr. H. as a Canonist, I presume his examination to have 
been full and fair ; and, as my present object is, not to 
write a Commentary on our Ecclesiastical statutes, but to 
narrate the events in the life of Bishop Griswold, I content 
myself with giving the principal facts of the case, and with 
such a reference to its importance as will suffice to put 
those, who are curious in such matters, upon its fuller 
study and investigation. 

It was just now remarked that by the decision of Dr. 
Ducachet's case, second applications for orders, after a first 
refusal, have not been either multiplied or facilitated. That 
they have not been thereby multiplied, will, I apprehend, 
be readily admitted ; and that, when they have occurred, 
they have not heen facilitated by that decision, will be made 
evident by a brief allusion to the case of Mr. Bristed, which 
came up while Dr. Ducachet was awaiting orders. 

Mr. Bristed, a man of splendid talents, and high legal 
and general scholarship, of unquestionable piety and unim- 
peachable morals, was induced, by the leadings of Divine 
Providence, to abandon his practice of the Law, and to de- 
vote himself to the work of the ministry. He accordingly 
announced his intention to Bishop Hobart, in whose Diocese 
he was then living. He did not apply to the Standing 
Committee of New York to be admitted a candidate ; but 
simply announced to the Bishop his intention of studying 
for the ministry. The Bishop, however, decidedly discou- 
raged the movement ; whereupon, Mr. Bristed soon after 
transferred not only his canonical, but also his actual, residence 
from New York to Bristol, for the purpose of studying under 
Bishop Griswold. But, although his case was thus essen- 
tially different from that of Dr. Ducachet, yet, as he came 
from the same Diocese, and with the influence of the same 



320 MEMOIR, &C. 

Bishop against him, so strongly was that influence felt, and 
so little did Dr. Ducachet's precedent avail in his favor, that 
his application to the Standing Committee of Rhode Island 
was rejected ; and it was only after protracted, most tedious^ 
and most unreasonable delays, that he succeeded in obtain- 
ing admission as a candidate through the Standing Com- 
mittee of Vermont. The case of Dr. Ducachet was an im- 
pediment in his way, which had well-nigh prevented the 
success of his application. 

Events of such a public and exciting character are begin- 
ning to thicken upon our attention, that it is difficult to turn 
from them for the purpose of noticing the yearly details of Dio- 
cesan duty, in which the Bishop was engaged. This, how- 
ever, has become the less necessary, inasmuch as the details, 
already furnished, may serve as a specimen of all that occur- 
red during the Bishop's supervision of the Diocese. We 
have seen the manner, in which he moved among his pa- 
rishes, and the general routine of duty, in which he was 
engaged. And all that it is needful further to know is, 
that, in the same manner, he continued to move, and in the 
same duties to be engaged, with only a steady increase of 
his cares, with the increase of his years and in correspon- 
dence with the growth of the Church committed to his care. 
With these remarks, our attention will, for a time, be con- 
fined principally to a notice of the most prominent events, 
which mark the remaining years of Bishop Griswold. 

The establishment and conduct of the Gospel Advocate 
seem to have been the means of producing an unpleasant 
state of relations among the Clergy of the Eastern Diocese, 
and between some of them and their Bishop. Meanwhile, 
events, in the new and important parish of St. Paul's, Bos- 
ton, were threatening to bring on a more serious conflict be- 
tween the congregation and the Rector of that parish ; and, 
more largely between the Rector and his friends, on the one 
side, and the Bishop with the body of the Clergy, on the 
other. 

These events came to their crisis in the spring and sum- 



DIFFICULTIES IN ST. PAUL'S, BOSTON. 321 

mer of 1825. A controversy, into the merits of which it is 
not necessary here to enter, but which was violent in its 
character, broke out, at least as early as April, between the 
proprietors and Rector of St. Paul's ; and, in spite of the 
efforts of many to compose the strife, continued to grow in 
seriousness, till, in June, the Wardens and Vestry, having 
been empowered at a previous meeting of the proprietors, 
laid their case before the Bishop. They represented that 
the controversy had passed the point, at which an amicable 
adjustment might have been effected ; and they therefore re- 
quested the Bishop to take such measures, in concert with 
his presbyters, as might be proper, under the Canons, to 
effect a separation between the Rector and his parish. In 
this request the Rector refused to join ; but expressed his 
willingness to appear before the proper authority at any 
time and place, which the Bishop might appoint. The 
Wardens and Vestry therefore urged a speedy investigation 
of the case between them and their Rector as the best and 
only means of allaying the ferment, and of preventing se- 
rious evil to the Church at large. Accordingly, a council 
of the presbyters in Massachusetts was called to meet on 
the case in Boston, the 13th of July. In consequence, how- 
ever, of a further attempt at compromise, which it was 
deemed advisable to make, this council did not meet till a 
fortnight from that date. At that time, (the attempt at com- 
promise having failed,) the council assembled, and the in- 
vestigation took place. The Bishop presided, till the de- 
cease of his daughter, Mrs. Usher of Bristol, suddenly call- 
ed him home ; after which the Rev. Dr. Gardiner of Boston 
was appointed chairman, and the investigation was brought 
to a close. It resulted in the award, that the pastoral con- 
nexion between the Rector and his parish should be dissolv- 
ed, on condition that the parish secured to him the payment 
of $5,000 ; leaving the date of the dissolution and the time 
of payment, it seems, to be fixed by the Bishop. In conse- 
quence of the Bishop's necessary absence from the close of 
the council, some delay in the official announcement of its 
award occurred. At length, however, that announcement 



322 MEMOIR, &C. 

was made ; and in it the Bishop decided, that the dissolution 
should take place the 22d day of August ; that one half of 
the amount awarded should be paid one year from the termi- 
nation of the pastoral connexion, and that the other half 
should be paid two years from that date. To this decision, 
Dr. Jarvis demurred ; and insisted that, as a condition of 
resigning his Rectorship, the whole amount should be paid 
at once. The parish, on the contrary, though they deemed 
the amount awarded most unreasonable, especially in their 
weak and indebted condition, without corporate funds, yet 
submitted to the award of the council, and to the Bishop's 
decision. 

The refusal of Dr. Jarvis to resign his Rectorship, with 
his demand that the whole amount awarded him should, 
contrary to the decision, or advice of the Bishop, be paid 
him at once, instantly blew the flame of contention into in- 
creased fury ; — and the feelings of many, who had previously 
been inclined to favor him, were now brought strongly into 
action against him. Meanwhile, he attempted, in separate 
interviews with the presbyters composing the council, to 
procure from them a written declaration, that the Bishop's 
promulgation of their decision had been incorrect. To many, 
indeed, the attitude, which he assumed, appeared to be one 
of contumacy against the Bishop and his council. Under 
such circumstances, it will be readily perceived that there 
was but feeble hope of success to a second effort, which some 
of his friends were induced to make, with a view to a com- 
promise of the difficulty. That effort was utterly abortive ; 
and amidst the movements of the Rector, ruin stared the 
parish in the face. To avert it, and bring matters to an 
issue, a second council of the same presbyters was summon- 
ed, and met about the 25th of September. This council 
affirmed the correctness of the Bishop's promulgation of 
their former decision ; — and of course left the Rector of St. 
Paul's without apology for longer withholding his resigna- 
tion. Instead, however, of placing his resignation in the 
hands of the Vestry r , he placed it in the hands of two of his 
friends, not members of the parish, " to be delivered to the 



DIFFICULTIES IN ST. PAULAS, BOSTON. 323 

Wardens, Vestry and proprietors, upon their complying with 
the terms on their part." This was, virtually, no resigna- 
tion ; especially as those terms did not bind the parish to 
make any payment till the expiration of at least one year 
frOm the date of the award. At this point, new troubles 
would doubtless have arisen, had not one of the parishioners 
voluntarily advanced the whole amount awarded to Dr. 
Jarvis, by a loan to the parish, to be repaid at the stipula- 
ted periods. This generous act brought the difficulty to a 
close, so far as the Rector and his parish were concerned ; 
for, after asserting his right to the Rectorship till near the 
middle of October, when the money was paid into his hands, 
his instrument of resignation was delivered to the authori- 
ties of the parish ; and its Rectorship thereon became 
vacant. 

But the general troubles brought on by the case did not 
here terminate. Instead of suffering the unhappy controversy 
to sleep and be forgotten, after the dissolution of his con- 
nexion with the parish, and after receiving from the council 
a testimonial to his character as a clergyman in good stand- 
ing, and entitled to the confidence of any parish, that might 
wish his services, he engaged in the preparation of a heavy 
pamphlet, in which he imbodied his own views of the whole 
case ; and which, instead of publishing -, he privately printed 
and distributed not only among his friends in Boston, but 
elsewhere throughout the Church. In this pamphlet, he 
charged the Bishop with an unwarrantable stretch of power, 
or Episcopal prerogative, and cast a heavy load of odium 
upon the parish, from which he had been separated. 

To this pamphlet, the Bishop replied in a written commu- 
nication to Dr. Jarvis, which has never seen the light, ex- 
cept through a few manuscript copies, one of which lies be- 
fore me. In strict justice, it ought to have been published 
at the time ; for it is a masterly vindication of himself and of 
the proceedings of the Council; and though necessarily 
severe, was yet strictly courteous, and simply defensive. It 
retorted no charges and sought to cast no odium, on his 
assailant ; but was content with throwing off, as it did sue- 



324 MEMOIR, &C. 

cessfully and entirely, all the odium, which had been so un- 
justly cast upon himself. Of course, it never reached the 
great mass of those, to whom the printed pamphlet was sent ; 
but, with the exception of the few more immediately con- 
cerned in the transaction, all the rest received their impres- 
sion of the Bishop and of the parish of St. Paul's from a 
pamphlet, the issuing of which, was a cause of deep surprise 
and regret to even its author's friends. 

Previous to the issuing of this pamphlet, in his Annual 
Address to the Diocesan Convention, which met in Boston, 
the 28th of September, the Bishop laid before that body the 
case of difficulty between the Rector of St. Paul's and his 
parish, with the action thereon of the Council, which had 
been held, and the principles, on which he had acted in that 
part of the case, which had been left to his discretion. This 
notice was exceedingly discreet, respectful and even kind, 
not only towards the parish, but especially towards its Rec- 
tor. But, after the appearance of the pamphlet, and in his 
next Annual Address to the Convention of the Diocese, which 
assembled in his own parish, September 27th, 1826, he felt 
it his duty to notice the case in a somewhat different man- 
ner. 

"At the time of our last Convention," he observes, "the 
situation of St. Paul's Church, Boston, was such as caused 
us painful anxiety, and deep concern. But here, too, the 
Lord has blessed us beyond all, that we could reasonably ex- 
pect. The reasons for my conduct in that case were then 
briefly stated. Soon after, Dr. Jarvis caused to be printed 
and sent into all parts of the country, especially of this Dio- 
cese, a narrative of the transactions in that unhappy busi- 
ness ; intended, of course, to exculpate himself and throw 
all blame upon others. I deem it my duty, however painful, 
to say, that in that narrative, and especially in the conclud- 
ing remarks, my conduct is much misrepresented ; and (with 
what intention I pretend not to say) that opinions and motives 
are ascribed to me, which have no foundation in truth. After 
my having exercised this ministry for fifteen years, the peo- 
ple of this Diocese can easily judge, whether I am disposed 



DIFFICULTIES IN ST. PAUL'S, BOSTON. 325 

to usurp power, which does not appertain to my office, or to 
abuse that which does." 

The unexpected blessing, which he here mentions, as 
having followed the disastrous controversy, consisted in the 
settlement, which he proceeds to record, of the Rev. Mr. 
Potter, as second Rector of that important parish, and in 
the bright promises of good, which were opening through 
his ministry. In consequence of the notice, which he here 
bestows upon the pamphlet of Dr. Jarvis, the Convention 
of the Church in Massachusetts, at its next annual meeting 
in Boston, June 20th, 1827, felt itself called upon to make 
an expression of its views of the Bishop's conduct and of 
the treatment, which he had received. Accordingly, we 
find upon its journal the following entry: 

" The Bishop having occasion to retire, the Rev. Dr. 
Gardiner took the chair, and the following resolution, offer- 
ed by one of the members of the Convention, was seconded 
and passed, viz : 

" Whereas, the Right Rev. Bishop of this Diocese, in his 
address to the Diocesan Convention, in September last, 
deemed it his duty publicly to declare that, in a certain in- 
stance, opinions and motives had, from some cause, been 
ascribed to him, which had no foundation in truth ; and a 
proper opportunity seems therefrom to have arisen for the 
people of this Diocese, after fifteen years' experience, to ex- 
press their esteem of his Episcopal character and govern- 
ment ; Therefore, 

" Resolved ; that it is the opinion of this Convention that 
the Right Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, so far from being 
' disposed to usurp power, which doth not appertain to his 
office, or to abuse that, which does,' hath uniformly dis- 
charged the duties of his high station with exemplary discre- 
tion, meekness, fidelity and moderation; and this Convention 
gladly embrace the opportunity, now offered to them, of ex- 
pressing their undiminished confidence in his prudent, zeal- 
ous and Apostolical care and government of the Churches 
under his jurisdiction, — of reciprocating the assurances of 
his affection and concern, — and of offering their prayers for 

EE 



326 MEMOIR, &C. 

his long continuance in an office, which, difficult and ardu- 
ous as it is, has been so faithfully discharged." 

The testimony of this resolution is most true, though it ex- 
presses the truth with far less strength than the facts of the case 
would have justly warranted. Happily, they who assailed him 
in this business, made their assault, as he expresses himself in 
one of his letters to Dr. Jarvis, on one of the least vulnera- 
ble points of his character. Both the assumption and the 
abuse of power were, with him, matters contemplated only 
with dread and horror ; and his feelings on the subject had 
as much influence on his practice as on his theory. The 
sentiment, which he once expressed to the Secretary of the 
council in the case of Dr. Jarvis, though not in connexion 
with the proceedings and results of that council, — was the 
imbodying of his life, as well as the expression of his 
thoughts, on this point. " I like not," said he, " the accu- 
mulation of power in the hands of any set of men what- 
ever. I wish that our Bishops might always be poor, and 
have no more power than is necessary to the discharge of 
the proper duties of their office. If the station is rendered 
one of ease and splendor, improper persons will always be 
intriguing and striving for it. But, if it is only a place of 
labor and usefulness, without the reward of worldly honors 
or emolument, there will be little danger of any one's seek- 
ing or accepting it but from desire to do good." 

Would to God that this sentiment might, on this point, 
become the imbodied spirit, and the forth-acting genius of 
the Episcopal Church, wherever she is or shall be known, 
from the rising up of the sun, even unto the going down of 
the same ! It would furnish the best argument, ever ad- 
duced, for the Divine origin of Episcopacy. It would be 
bringing the Great "Bishop and Shepherd of souls" once 
more into life and action among the sheep of his fold ; and, 
out of the aboundings of his poverty, making them rich in- 
deed. 

Let us now look, a moment, into the state of the Bishop's 
own mind, as it was while actually passing through the pain- 
ful trials, which have been narrated, and which were ren- 



DIFFICULTIES IN ST. PAUL'S, BOSTON. 327 

dered doubly painful by their harsh grating upon the still and 
sacred feelings of a heart, wounded in the very midst of those 
trials by another in the long series of his domestic bereave- 
ments. I happen to have in my possession a letter written 
to one of his female friends in Bristol, soon after the death 
of Mrs. Usher, and but a few days after the second council 
of presbyters in the case of Dr. Jarvis ; while he was en- 
gaged in one of his Episcopal tours through his Diocese. 
It is just what every previous view, which has been taken 
of his 4 character, would lead us to expect. 

« Hopkinton, N. H., Oct. 3d, 1825. 

u Dear E., — Impatient to avail myself of your permission, 
I should have written you from Boston ; but other more 

necessary and less pleasing occupations would not permit. 

********* 

We had a fine day in the stage to Boston ; nothing unplea- 
sant disturbed the pleasure of the ride ; and this pleasure 
was much increased by the blessing of an agreeable travel- 
ling companion ; a blessing the more grateful to me, be- 
cause in my journeyings so rare. Mr. Smith's good sense, 
and very sincere devotion to his holy profession render his 
conversation both agreeable and edifying. Deep anxiety, 
however, and the trials, which awaited me in Boston, rendered 
me less capable of either imparting, or enjoying pleasure. 
Not that I had forgotten who has said ; ' Sufficient unto 
the day is the evil thereof.' It is as unwise, as it is un- 
christian, to permit ourselves to be tormented with the ap- 
prehension of future ills. What I have so much recommend- 
ed in my teachings, I have not wholly neglected in practice ; 
that we are, at all times, and under all circumstances, to 
confide in that wise and good Providence, which governs all 
things ; not doubting that He will make all things work to- 
gether for the benefit of good and faithful mem But, who 
are the good and faithful ? Afflictions are often, perhaps 
chiefly, sent to punish us for our sins and follies ; and though 
they are sent in mercy, and intended to reclaim us, yet 
they ought the rather to awaken in our minds deep solicitude 



328 MEMOIR, &C. 

and concern. The voice of Wisdom is ; — c In the day of 
adversity consider? No troubles can, none certainly should, 
lessen the christian's resignation and trust in God. We 
know that, in every thing, He is just and good. But afflic- 
tions should excite deep self-examination, and should awaken 
fears that we may have offended HIM, who is as holy as He 
is good. 

"When I arrived in Boston, my anxieties were not dimin- 
ished, but increased. I found things worse than I had ex- 
pected. I have never allowed myself to view any person 
as my enemy ; but I have now discovered, beyond what I 
had ever before known, that some persons are much oppos- 
ed to me, and that very much has been said against my 
character and conduct. My actions have been ascribed to 
interested and base motives. I have much reason for anxiety 
and self-examination. It is among the common infirmities 
of our nature to be too hasty in justifying ourselves ; and 
also to consider as our enemies those, who think us unw x orthy. 
These are the remains of unsubdued pride. If a man 
honestly thinks me unworthy of the place, which I fill, it is 
no evidence of his hostility. I ought to think the same of 
myself. I know, indeed, that some of the things, which 
are said to my injury, are not true : but I ought to consider 
that they, who say them, probably believe them to be true ; 
and also, that if some think me worse, there are others who 
think me better y than I am. But I shall not dismiss this sub- 
ject without some boasting ; for I think that with truth I 
may say, that my anxieties have not been for what my own 
character, but for what the Church, was likely to suffer. In 
this, through the Lord's goodness, I was not a little relieved 
on Tuesday morning, by finding that the Clergy in Massa- 
chusetts were (much beyond what I expected) ready to sup- 
port me in the measures, which were taken in regard to Dr. 
Jarvis and St Paul's Church. But you will hear from 
George and others what was done in Boston. I have 
written the above in great haste, and almost without time 
for thought; being determined to finish this letter now, 
though I am detaining some people, who expect me. 



EPISCOPAL PRAYER-MEETINGS. 329 



We had excellent weather, and a pleasant journey from Bos- 
ton to this place ; and more excellent, if possible, and more 
pleasant are the friends, whom I find here. 
How can I be duly thankful for the mercies, which I have 
received and am daily receiving ! * * * * 

****** If I allowed myself to hope 
for any pleasure in future, I should expect not a little on 
my arrival in Middlebury. But we, who expect none, have 
this advantage, that, what we do receive is clear gain. With 
great haste, and still greater sincerity, 

Your affectionate friend, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

I leave this letter to make its own impressions, nothing 
doubting that they will be the same on other minds, as on 
my own, that he, who wrote it, was, both as a Christian 
and as a Bishop, a man of rare elevation above this world, 
and of a most divinely chastened and heavenly temper. 

I have a great mass of documents before me, on the 
case, which I have thus presented ; several of them of high 
importance and deep interest, especially those from the 
Bishop ; but I have not deemed it wise to insert them here. 
Perhaps some will think that the case, which they involve, 
should not have been even touched in the present memoir. 
But, the facts and documents, which I have given, are already 
so public, and withal involve so important a passage in the 
Bishop's life, that I have not felt at liberty to pass them 
without notice. Justice to my subject would not have al- 
lowed me to say less, while many considerations of propriety 
restrain me from saying more, than in the foregoing statement 
is contained. 

I recur, now, to a subject formerly mentioned, but re- 
served for fuller notice in its more proper place ; — I mean, 
the subject of "Prayer-meetings in the Episcopal Church," 
especially as they marked the practice of many of the par- 
ishes in Rhode Island during Bishop Griswold's residence 
in that State. These meetings, it is believed, originated as 



330 MEMOIR, &C. 

early as the year 1812, and were the attendants, or fruits, of 
that remarkable awakening on the subject of religion, which 
then occurred in the parish of St. Michael's, Bristol ; and 
of which the Bishop has left us such an interesting account 
in his auto-biography. They became and continued com- 
mon among the parishes of that State. But, so orderly and 
noiseless were they, that little was known of them save in 
the good, by which they were accompanied, and in the thanks- 
givings of many pious hearts, by which that good was followed. 
Those, who frequented them, were quiet members of the 
Church, by the world overlooked, even as they looked above 
the world. They molested no one, and no one molested them ; 
till, as I have already remarked, " The Gospel Advocate," not 
long after its establishment, published a sermon, in which 
they were evidently assailed, and their character, as well as 
that of their advocates, was held up to unfavorable observa- 
tion. From that time, they became objects of more public 
attention ; and the spirit, in which they were assailed, was 
evidently the means of drawing out and imbodying those 
elements of disunion in the Diocese, which, haply, had 
else slumbered on to their extinction. Under such a spirit 
as that of Bishop Griswold, the fire of conflicting views 
never could have been kindled, had not some such influence 
been brought to fan the spark, which is always and every 
where latent in human nature, even when that nature is 
found imbodied in the Church of Christ ; and which, when 
once blown into a flame, it is one of the most difficult things 
beneath the sun to extinguish. Lit up, in the Eastern Dio- 
cese, it continued to blaze with varying fierceness, according 
as some new excitement, fed it with fresh fuel, and kept 
up those fires, in which it is not too much to say that the 
Bishop's patient love of peace, tried often, but never over- 
come, burnt, martyr-like, for more than twenty of the last 
years of his life. Blessed was the spirit in which he suffer- 
ed ; and blessed have been its fruits. His fear of aggravat- 
ing existing differences kept him, I am aware, from pro- 
posing, or from urging, many things, which, under ordinary 
circumstances, would have put more of impulse and activity 



EPISCOPAL PRAYER-MEETINGS. 331 

into the Diocese under his administration ; but it also favor- 
ed the gradual return of more composed times ; since, by 
holding himself aloof from strife, by throwing himself into 
neither of the opposing ranks, by withholding, so far as he 
could, every thing that might feed the fires, and especially 
by bridling his tongue, except when, as he conceived, the 
defence of truth and righteousness required him to open his 
mouth, he had the happiness, especially before the close of 
his life, of seeing the flames, which had been lit up, burn 
lower and lower, till at last, before his death, they went 
out ; or at least ceased to shoot visible spires above the 
tranquillized surface of affairs in his Diocese. 

With the above remarks on his love of peace, and his un- 
willingness to increase strife, his defence of the Rhode Island 
Prayer-meetings was by no means in conflict. That was a 
case, in which he felt that duty required him to speak. It 
was, in truth, his love of peace, that made him open his 
mouth. He spoke, " not to accuse, but to defend." He 
sought to close a virtual war upon peace : and had his de- 
fence been admitted into the Journal, to which it was first 
offered, it had, so much the sooner, effected its pacific object. 
Its influence, when it finally appeared in the Episcopal 
Register of Vermont, in the years 1827 and 1828, was 
powerfully felt; as well it might be ; for, it is believed, that 
no one, with a Christian spirit in his heart, whatever may 
have been his previous prejudices against Episcopal prayer- 
meetings, can read it without feeling, with its author, that 
"If, after due consideration, our sober and most candid judg- 
ment is unfavorable to these" meetings, "the safer way is to 
let them alone. We cannot be too careful not to be found 
fighting against God." 

The spirit, in which he defended the meetings and those, 
who joined in them, may be judged from a sentence, which 
I find in the 5th chapter of the work. " If it be admitted," 
he says, " that the meetings are according to the will of God, 
and that His Spirit will and does bless those, w T ho unite in 
fervent supplication, it must, according to the Scriptures, be 
expected that men will oppose them. They, who cry earnestly 



332 MEMOIR, &C. 

to their Saviour for mercy and grace, may be rebuked that 
they should hold their peace ; but, in such case, they will do 
well, like some in the Gospel, to cry the more ; 'Have mercy 
on us, Lord, thou son of David. 5 " 

To be rightly estimated, however, the whole of his little 
book, (for the numbers have since been collected and pub- 
lished in a volume by themselves,) should be read with candid 
attention. It will then be found as full of point and ability, 
as it is of piety and moderation. It is the best production 
on the subject, any where to be met with. So far as any 
thing human can avail, it shuts the mouth of objection, 
excites thought, and stirs up consideration. There is in it, 
indeed, what seldom appeared in either his writings, or his 
conversation, a quiet but forceful under-play of that talent, 
for which he was distinguished in his youthful days, of saying 
pithy and pointed things. But, so far as this talent appears 
here, and as it partakes of the nature of wit and satire, it is 
wit and satire sanctified. It has enough of point to prick the 
sides of attention, but not enough to wound the heart of love ; 
enough to awaken a quiet smile, but not enough to chafe a 
peaceful spirit. Its subject is not popular with the world ; 
and even with many Christians, the name of a book in de- 
fence of prayer-meetings is sufficient to keep its covers 
closed. And yet, there is enough between those covers, if 
not to lead men of the world and over-cautious Christians 
into prayer-meetings, at least to repay them for their trouble 
in reading the work, even if they seek nothing further than 
an exhibition of well-disciplined powers skilfully and happily 
applied to their purpose. The book ought to be reprinted 
and read by every member of our Church. 

In the year 1826, at the triennial meeting of our General 
Convention, a proposal was made, by some of the other 
Bishops, to introduce certain " alterations in the book of 
Common Prayer ;" " chiefly for the purpose of removing the 
objections so generally made to the length of our Morning 
Service." This proposal was referred to the Conventions of 
the several Dioceses for their consideration, and, after being 



PROPOSED ALTERATIONS OF THE LITURGY. 666 

thus considered, was to be acted on at the next triennial 
meeting of the General Convention. Of this proposal Bishop 
Griswold took notice in his Annual Address to the Conven- 
tion of the Eastern Diocese, in 1827 ; and the next year, 
July 1828, he commenced a series of articles in the Episco- 
pal Register on the subject of an "improvement of the 
Liturgy." This series was continued till August, 1829, and 
contained a great variety of suggestions on its subject, show- 
ing the most minute study of our forms and offices, and im- 
bodying some rich and valuable thoughts on the best manner 
of performing our service. His pieces were strongly assailed 
by a writer in "the Gospel Messenger," a paper published 
in Western New York ; and such was the unfair and sneer- 
ing temper of the assault, that the Bishop was constrained to 
devote a portion of his series to the work of self-defence. In 
this, he proved himself a formidable defendant, and demon- 
strated that, as a controvertist, he possessed powers, which, 
had he chosen to wield them on this, or any other subject, 
and with the usual freedom of controversial writers, would 
have placed him high on the list of able Polemics. But con- 
troversy was not his main object; nor did his articles in 
general breathe the spirit of controversy. He doubtless 
believed the Liturgy susceptible of improvement, and would 
have been willing to see it really improved. But his object 
in this series of essays was, in truth, to prevent the specific 
alterations, which had been proposed in General Convention, 
by shewing that, if any thing were done, something more 
and other than had been recommended, was desirable. In 
short, he would have the Liturgy either left untouched, or 
touched to better purpose than that, which the Convention 
had in view. Hence he says, in replying to his reviewer in 
the Gospel Messenger ; " I have suggested some things, and 
might add others, which, in my view, go to shew that we 
had better make no change, or make more than is now pro- 
posed." ***** "Probably nine-tenths at 
least of our brethren would wish that alteration, {improve- 
ment of course) were made in our Liturgy, but for the great 
inconvenience and serious evils, which must necessarily at- 



334 MEMOIR, &C. 

tend all attempts at such change, though for the better. No 
one can reasonably doubt but alterations in the Prayer-book 
will continue to be made in the time to come, as they have 
been made in the time past. Whether the present is a 
favorable time to make them may well be doubted. My 
wish is to make none, or to make all that are needed ; and if 
what I have written shall contribute to either the one or the 
other result, my purpose will be accomplished." 

The stand, which he took, when the alterations were pro- 
posed in the General Convention, seems to have brought 
upon him the undeserved charges of a want of attachment to 
the Liturgy and the Church, and of a change from his early 
and well known loyalty to these our cherished institutions. 
This drew from him, in his Annual Address for 1827, the 
following strong-toned and spirited paragraph of self- vindica- 
tion, while laying the proposed alterations before his Con- 
vention : 

u I am well aware of the delicacy and difficulties of this 
subject, and how necessary it is, if we would be accounted 
Churchmen, to eulogize the Liturgy, and to deprecate as 
sacrilege even the least alteration. But on this point I have 
little anxiety. Nursed, as I have been, from earliest infancy, 
in the bosom of this Church, having passed my whole life 
among Episcopalians, as much so perhaps as any man of my 
age in this country living, and having been above forty years 
a member of its communion, I have long since imbibed a 
deep prepossession (not to say prejudice) in its favor. Nor 
have I, ('as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm 
that' the fact is,) been changed in my opinion respecting it. 
That I am wholly free even from bigotry, I dare not affirm ; 
but, for many years, I have endeavored impartially to 
examine the claims of our Church to Scriptural orthodoxy 
and primitive order ; and the examination has confirmed me 
in the undo ub ting belief, that her claims are well founded. 
Nor am I conscious of having ever said, or done, any thing 
inconsistent with such belief. I humbly trust that I have 
also, in some small degree, imbibed that truly liberal spirit 
of forbearance and charity, which our Church, more than 



PROPOSED ALTERATIONS OF THE LITURGY. 335 

any other Christian community on earth, inculcates ; and 
which is not the least among the many proofs that she is, 
indeed, the Church of Christ. In what manner, and by 
what means, the interest and prosperity of this Church, and 
of true religion, will best be promoted, there will be among 
us, it must be expected, some diversity of opinion ; but, in 
decided attachment to its order and worship, and in a sincere 
desire to promote its best good, I shall not yield to any one, 
however lofty or exclusive may be his pretensions. Though 
I may seem to c speak foolishly in this confidence of boast- 
ing,' yet this confession, you must well know, is not uncalled 
for, and I hope not inexcusable. It is also in some degree 
necessary to give you a right view of the part I acted in the 
Convention on the subject of altering the Liturgy, and to 
prevent any wrong inference from what I take the liberty of 
suggesting in this address." 

It has been remarked that the essays, which he sent to the 
Episcopal Register, besides minutely noticing the improve- 
ments, of which the Liturgy is susceptible, contained some 
rich and valuable thoughts on the best mode of preforming 
our services. Those, with which he closed the whole series, 
are so just and striking, and shew so well the whole spirit of 
his essays, that they may not improperly be quoted here, in 
dismissing our notice of this passage of his life. He is speak- 
ing of that studied and artificial mode of reading, which 
Cowper so sarcastically hits in his character of one, who 

" Sells accent, tone, 
And emphasis in score, and gives to prayer 
The adagio and andante it demands." 

" Raising and falling the voice too much," he observes, 
" always lessens the solemnity of prayer, and in most in- 
stances is worse than monotony. That pitch of the voice 
should be assumed, which best unites with gravity and ease ; 
and any deviation from it, beyond what in music is called a 
third, is generally in uttering prayers a fault. If we rightly 
understand and truly feel, nature will be the best teacher of 
cadence and emphasis. In this lies the main secret of read- 
ing the service well, that the heart be truly and deeply im- 



336 MEMOIR, &C. 

pressed with pious feeling and the worship of God ; that we 
think nothing of ourselves, but as sinful, needy creatures ; 
nor of the congregation present, but as fellow sinners uniting 
with us at the throne of grace ; (what they may think of our 
performance, should never enter our mind ;) that we avoid 
all manner of affectation, and attempts to appear well before 
men, or to gain applause ; and that it be our one and con- 
stant endeavor, that the words uttered by our lips exactly 
express the feelings of our heart. To aim at our own glory 
when we preach, is a great sin ; but in our prayers, it is the 
greatest of abominations." 

Whatever fault may be found with his idea of the im- 
provableness of the Liturgy itself, none, it is presumed, 
will be found with this idea of the manner, in which it 
should ever be used. 

The Bishop's Annual Address for 1827, besides touching 
on the proposed alterations of the Liturgy, and some other 
topics, which had occupied the attention of the previous 
General Convention, dwells, more particularly than any of 
his former addresses had done, on the subject of a division 
of the Eastern Diocese, and on the causes, which might be 
considered as obstructing the general growth of our Church. 
His remarks on both these heads are worthy of being tran- 
scribed. But as his addresses in general have this merit, I 
allude to its presence in this, for the special purpose of intro- 
ducing the remark ; that these annual communications were 
by him made to answer the ordinary ends of Charges to his 
clergy, and of Pastoral Letters to his people. Besides laying 
before his Conventions from year to year the information re- 
quired by canon, he usually took occasion in his addresses to 
discuss such topics as were of general interest to his clergy 
and people, and to spread before them such views as he 
wished to make operative in moulding the ecclesiastical insti- 
tutions of the Diocese, and in forming the religious characters 
of those committed to his care. Hence it was that he de- 
livered so few discourses, bearing the name of Charges ; and 
hence, that his Annual Addresses assumed, so uniformly, a 
character of more than ordinary importance. They abounded 



337 

in pious thoughts and breathings, in clear, Scriptural views 
of truth, and in sound expositions of the doctrines and prin- 
ciples of our Church. A valuable volume might be made 
by a judiciously arranged selection from this class of his 
writings. 

Having noticed the principal events connected with this 
memoir during the last few years, I pause a moment upon 
a few belonging to the same period, though of a different 
character. 

The settlement of the Rev. Mr. Potter, as successor to Dr. 
Jarvis, in St. Paul's Church, Boston, has already been men- 
tioned. Coming from the Diocese of New York, where his 
exalted character and attainments had already placed him 
high on the list of those, around whom the best hopes of the 
Church were clustered, his settlement in Boston was deemed 
auspicious to the cultivation of kindly feelings between the 
Diocese, from which he came, and that, into which he en- 
tered. Accordingly, the Senior Warden of St. Paul's, Dr. 
Warren, in announcing to the Bishop the fact of Mr. Potter's 
acceptance of the rectorship, which has been offered him, 
took occasion to suggest the expediency of inviting Bishop 
Hobart to visit Boston, for the purpose of preaching the ser- 
mon at the expected institution of the new Rector. In his 
letter of June 4th, 1826, he says : 

"Mr. Potter proposes to come here on the first of August. 
The ceremony of institution should, I presume, take place 
as early as possible after that time. 

" Bishop Hobart has treated us kindly in this affair; and, 
considering the connexion, which has subsisted between him 
and Mr. Potter, it has occurred to me, that it might be pro- 
ductive of good to seize this opportunity to invite him to 
visit Boston, for the purpose of delivering the institution ser- 
mon. In this, of course, I should be wholly governed by 
you, Sir ; and therefore I have not mentioned the thought to 
any one but yourself. We have the fullest confidence in 
your paternal aid, and the firmest determination to abide by 
your judgment in this, and in all other matters relating to 
our Church. We hope, with the blessing of Divine Provi- 

FF 



338 MEMOIR, &C. 

dence, to raise our Church, trampled and broken down, as 
it has been by evil passions ; and to make it a useful instru- 
ment for the diffusion of evangelical principles. * 

* * # # 

Very respectfully, your servant, 

John C. Warren." 

The suggestion was favorably received, and Bishop Hobart 
was accordingly invited, and accepted the invitation, to 
preach the proposed institution sermon. His visit to Boston 
was peculiarly acceptable ; most respectful attentions were 
bestowed upon him ; and the whole impression of the visit 
was such as had been sought. The institution services were 
highly interesting. Five and twenty of the clergy, besides 
the two Bishops, were present. Bishop Griswold, for the 
first time in his life, performed the institution office ; and was 
followed by Bishop Hobart in the sermon. Bright hopes 
dawned afresh on this important parish ; and, as one of the 
most important results of the arrangement, which had been 
made, a practical demonstration was given to the Church, 
that " the golden chain of brotherhood" between our Bishops 
was still strong in the link, where most fears had been felt, 
that it would be broken. 

In April, of this year, the Bishop was called to part with 
his daughter, Julia, on whom his paternal affection seems to 
have fixed with peculiar tenderness and power; and soon 
after, he engaged, as if with the hope of calling off his mind 
from too painful thoughts, in an excursion, such as he did 
not often take. It was a tour through the north of his Dio- 
cese into Canada. Death had already made melancholy 
ravages in his household. His beloved wife had been, in an 
instant, stricken from his side. And now, the loss of his 
eldest surviving daughter, the head of his household, the 
prop of his comfort, seemed to threaten the utter crushing of 
his spirit ; and all the anxieties of his friends were awakened 
to the task of cheering and sustaining him. 

To these topics, however, I shall have occasion to recur, 
when I come to dwell more particularly on his domestic life 



CLERICAL ASSOCIATION SUGGESTED. 339 

during the long period of his Episcopate. For the present, 
therefore, I pass them by, and proceed with the memoir. 

In the year 1828, came forth that sign of spiritual life and 
growth, which continued to become more and more manifest 
among the clergy of the Diocese, in a disposition to cultivate 
close religious intercourse with each other, beyond what was 
practicable in the mere annual recurrence of the business- 
like, formal meetings of the Convention. A want was felt, 
which these meetings could not supply. A desire sprang up, 
which asked for more than the contact of business could fur- 
nish. The hearts of Christ's ministering servants, separated 
by long miles of distance from each other, beat with long- 
ings after fellowship in prayer, and high converse on the 
themes of their common ministry. The wish to help each 
other on in their own Christian walk, and to take counsel 
together for the greater prosperity of the cause of Christ, was 
stirring more and more vitally among them. 

The earliest expression of this feeling, which I find among 
the Bishop's papers, though doubtless not the earliest move- 
ment of it, is in the following letter from the Rev. Mr. 
Potter : 

" Boston, September 1, 1828. 
" Right Rev. and Dear Sir, — It has been suggested to me, 
that a more frequent and familiar intercourse, among the 
clergy of our State, would be productive of some important 
benefits ; and I can easily conceive that such might be the 
case. One is not infrequently restrained from embarking in 
some particular measure, or proposing some particular plan 
for the benefit of the Church, by an apprehension, that it 
may not meet the approbation of his brethren ; and it would 
appear, that an intercourse, which could make us fully ac- 
quainted with each other's views, would be likely to prevent 
any such embarrassment. In addition to this, it may be 
hoped that, if we were brought more frequently together, 
some more enlarged and better concerted means would be 
devised for extending the institutions of our Church, than 
can at present be expected. For example ; it has appeared 



340 MEMOIR, &C. 

to me, that the union of a few persons might produce a series 
of Tracts illustrating our doctrines in a mode, calculated to 
arrest the attention of this community. Publications of this 
character, which we now have, and certainly they are not few, 
were not written for our community, and of course cannot be 
expected to be fully adapted to interest and inform it. These, 
and other considerations, which I need not mention, have 
induced me to concur very cordially in some suggestions, 
which Brother Edson has made, and concerning which he 
has, I presume, ere this written you. 

"Whether you would be disposedto regard such meetings 
as important, and whether, if you did, you would think it 
proper to start them by calling a Convocation of the clergy, 
which might assemble on their way to the approaching Dio- 
cesan Convention ; are questions, which I regard with much 
interest, and which I would respectfully submit to your con- 
sideration. 

I am, Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, 
Most faithfully yours, 

A. Potter." 

The Right Rev. Alexander V. Griswold. 

I insert this letter here, not because this is the proper place 
for the history of a development, which subsequently be- 
came of some importance, but to shew the date of its first 
manifestation , so far as I am enabled to trace it back. With 
the Bishop's views on the subject, and with the results, 
which grew out of the first movements in relation to it, we 
shall hereafter become better acquainted. 

The Annual Convention, to which Mr. Potter alludes, met 
in September, at Bellow's Falls, Vt. The Bishop's address 
was, as usual, full of interest ; and in particular contained 
one suggestion, to which we must trace a series of efforts, 
afterwards made, on the subject of Theological education for 
the Eastern Diocese. After what has already been said, the 
reader needs not to be informed, that the great want felt, 
from the first, in the Diocese, was that of a competent sup- 
ply of faithful, well qualified clergy. To one of the difficul- 



THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL SUGGESTED. 341 

ties, which tended to obstruct such a supply, the Bishop thus 
alludes : 

"The General Theological Seminary is an Institution wise 
and useful. I was among the first to bring forward the 
motion for its establishment ; and hope, while I live, to be 
among its supporters. But, as must have been expected, it 
diminishes the number of our candidates, and causes a loss 
to this Diocese of some of its most promising young men. 
The advantages of such a Seminary must, of course, be far 
greatest to the Diocese, in which it is located. But we 
ought to banish from our minds all local prejudices, and 
party feelings, to view the Church as one, and to rejoice 
that it prospers in any place. Yet, we are allowed to love 
ourselves as well as we love our neighbors; and we must 
not neglect those, who come under our more immediate care. 
Whether a Seminary for instructing our candidates in this 
Diocese be practicable, or, all things considered, expedient, 
I shall not venture even to give an opinion : but it is our 
duty, so far as it may be in our power, in some way to in- 
duce more of the young men, whom we bring forward to the 
ministry, to labor in this Diocese." 

That the suggestion, contained in this extract, was fol- 
lowed by action on the subject of a Seminary for the Eastern 
Diocese, is evident from the following paragraph in a letter 
from Mr. Potter, written ten months later : 

"Boston, July 28th, 1829. 
" Right Rev. and dear Sir, — On recurring, since my re- 
turn, to your last letter, I have apprehended, (and the appre- 
hension has been strengthened by the suggestion of a friend,) 
that you might have misconceived an observation, which I 
have once or twice made in your presence. When speaking 
of the measures to be taken respecting a Theological School, 
I believe I have remarked that, before any thing definite 
was done, we ought to converse with Bishop Hobart. 
Nothing was further from my intention, in this remark, than 
to intimate, that it was necessary to look for Episcopal advice 
beyond our own Diocese ; or that Bishop H. had any right 



342 MEMOIR, &C. 

to dictate what particular measures should be adopted on 
this subject. I merely meant to express the desirableness of 
so conducting our operations, that they should not be misun- 
derstood or opposed abroad, and should not therefore occasion 
any grounds of dissention. In order to do this, it appeared 
to me necessary to advise with, and if possible secure the 
good will of, the friends of the General Seminary; and 
among these, I knew of no one, who could more properly be 
regarded as their organ and representative than Bishop H. 
I was the more anxious for this, as I knew of individuals 
among ourselves, who could not be induced to unite in the 
measure proposed, unless it had the good will of the General 
Seminary ; of which, by the way, I think there can be no 

doubt, if we take the proper measures to secure it." * 

******** 

"What the measure first proposed on this subject was, it 
does not appear. It does appear, however, that some 
measure had been proposed ; and there can be no doubt that 
it was in consequence of the suggestion made by the Bishop 
in his Annual Address. To the progress of this, or some 
similar measure, I shall hereafter have occasion to recur. 

There are some other things in the address for this year, 
1828, which throw light upon the history of the Eastern Dio- 
cese, and upon the views of its Bishop, and to which, there- 
fore, I give a place on these pages. 

It is, I believe, generally supposed that the Eastern Dio- 
cese was a sort of hot-bed for the production of lax prin- 
ciples and of loose attachments, on the subject of our Church 
and her institutions. Whatever may have been the state 
of facts in this respect, before the organization of the Diocese, 
the supposition does great injustice to its tendencies after 
that organization, and its subjection to the influence of Bishop 
Griswold. To shew the injustice of the supposition was 
evidently his object in the following remarks. 

From speaking of the general progress of " God's king- 
dom in this sinful world," he comes down to the history of 
his own Diocese, and adds : 

" When, eighteen years since, it was organized, true 



CHURCH PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. 343 

Church principles, (with a few exceptions) were far less re- 
garded. The doctrines of the Reformation were not so 
generally and suitably enforced : and it is certain that the 
authority of the Church and our General Convention were 
held in much less estimation. How great, since, has been 
the change in the increase of our numbers, the union of our 
Churches, and the correctness of our principles ! If w T e 
bring into view, (what, to judge accurately, we must do) 
the comparative increase of population in the different States, 
our increase in the number of our clergy, Churches and 
communicants has been greater than in any other of the 
northern or middle States. The union of our Churches with- 
out interruption has been, and still is increasing ; party dis- 
tinctions are happily scarce known among us ; and they 
should be considered as our enemies, who would introduce 
them. The true principles of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church can, I verily believe, in no part of this world, be 
found in greater perfection than in this Diocese. It is de- 
lightful to see the reverence, which our clergy and people 
now generally have for the order and worship of the Church, 
and for the General Convention. I cannot sufficiently ex- 
press my thanks to the Father of mercies, and the Head 
of the Church, that especially we have in this Diocese a 
body of clergy, so decidedly attached to the Episcopal 
Church, and so zealous in support of its distinctive prin- 
ciples ; without any leaning to Popery, or abandonment of 
Protestant principles, or neglect of evangelical truth." 

Had he a sort of prophet's eye when he wrote these last 
lines ; and was he striving to gird up the loins of the clerical 
mind around him against a coming day of evil ? What 
follows is in his usual style. He seldom touched the point 
of our Ecclesiastical superiority without adding a salutary 
suggestion of our corresponding responsibilities. 

"But, while we offer the just tribute of praise to God 
for so great a blessing, let us not deceive ourselves in a vain 
confidence of boasting ; nor, because in these things we are 
much better than in times past, suppose we are all which we 
ought to be. We of the Episcopal Church are indeed too 



344 MEMOIR, &C. 

much given to commend ourselves ; and we may even fear, 
that the cant of sectarism is growing upon us. A habit of 
complacency in thinking and speaking of our orthodoxy, and 
the superior excellence of our Ecclesiastical system, natu- 
rally leads us to put too much confidence in our profession, 
and to be so satisfied with ourselves as to make less improve- 
ment. Let us not forget, who it is that makes us to differ 
from others ; and that, for all which God gives us, we are 
accountable to Him. If, in religious privileges, we are in- 
deed more blessed than other Christians, we are also more 
sinful and more to be condemned than other Christians, if 
we do not also as much excel them in the fruits of the 
Spirit and a zeal for God. We cannot be the best friends 
to religion, except we are the most willing and most for- 
ward in promoting its general interests ; nor the best friends 
of the Church, if we are not the most active in doing that, 
which will best increase the number, faith and piety of its 
members. Our Lord's rule is ; — l By their fruits ye shall 
know them.' Truly to love Him, is to believe His Word 
and to do his work." 

At that period, there was no little rivalry between Do- 
mestic and Foreign in our Missionary organization. The 
friends of each field were contending for its peculiar claims, 
as though they were exclusive of each other, or did not be- 
long to the same cause ; thus endangering, by their rivalry, 
the stability of our General Missionary Society. Alluding 
to this state of things, and recommending his clergy to sup- 
port the organization as it was, and to patronize our Mission- 
ary work on both of its fields, he gives, among other things, 
the following keen rebuke to the spirit of contention and of 
eagerness for exclusive control in matters of the Church. 

" Let us, as we love religion and love the Church, keep 
clear of that spirit of selfishness and jealousy, which is dis- 
graceful to humanity and inconsistent with our religion. 
1 The love of power,' which is generally thought to be the 
fault of Episcopalians, is certainly the fault of our nature. 
They, who indulge it, would rule in every thing, however 
minute : they would forbid those, who walk not with them, 



INTERESTING EXTRACTS, &C. 345 

even to cast out devils in the name of Christ. They c re- 
joice 5 not that c Christ is preached,' though ever so c sin- 
cerely,' if the preacher do not, in the minutest things, agree 
with their peculiar notions. Some, we may fear, who pass 
for pious, zealous Christians, had rather that mankind should 
remain in their sins, than that those, whom they dislike, 
should be the instruments of changing their hearts, and 
bringing them to Christ." 

The following paragraphs have a special interest at the 
present time, and express the Bishop's views on two points, 
which now particularly engross the attention of our Church. 
The former of these points touches our relations to other 
Christian bodies ; — the latter relates to a movement among 
ourselves. In a passage distinctly expressive of the neces- 
sity, which constrains us to differ from many Protestants on 
some important points, he still says : — 

" Even different sects should not view each other as 
rivals, still less as opponents ; but as all laboring in the 
same good work, each, according to his knowledge, faith 
and sense of duty." ****** 
" The great evils to be feared, and what should most re- 
ligiously be avoided, are, the animosities, sectarism and 
party spirit, which divisions so naturally produce. We can 
easily see the Divine Wisdom in permitting the Church to 
be divided into sects ; to counteract the still worse evils of 
formalism, Ecclesiastical tyranny, infidelity, love of the 
world, and coldness towards God, which in times past have 
so deplorably prevailed." 

In another passage, alluding to tendencies within our- 
selves ; he remarks : — 

"There are other two extremes, in which we naturally 
and too often err, injurious to piety and peace. The one is, 
undue reliance upon religious rites, or ascribing too much 
efficacy to the outward, regular ministration of the Christian 
ordinances, independent of the faith and piety of those who 
perform, or receive them. The other is, too little reverence 
for the sacraments and other institutions of Christ and his 
Apostles ; placing undue reliance upon inward feelings, and 



346 MEMOIR, &C. 

what is (not very properly) called experience. These are 
the Scylla and Charybdis of religious life. Thousands and 
millions thus turn to the right hand, or to the left. They 
are perils, to which we, of the Episcopal Church, with all 
our best intentions to steer a middle course, are much 
exposed." 

During the year 1829, occurred a movement in Boston, 
which led to the organization of a new and, as it has since 
proved, very important parish, that of Grace Church. The 
Rev. Mr. Sabine, previously an orthodox Congregationalist, 
conformed to the Episcopal Church ; and the house of wor- 
ship, in which he preached, being encumbered with debt, 
the elements of an Episcopal parish gathered round him ; 
and it was for a time proposed that they should become the 
possessors and occupants of the edifice, in which he had 
been laboring. Ultimately, however, these elements of the 
new parish decided on a different course ; disconnected 
themselves from the encumbered property ; and after some 
years of quiet growth, erected a new Gothic Church, and 
became one of the most flourishing and active of our city 
parishes. 

This year also, the ancient and wealthy parish of Trinity 
Church, Boston, completed their new and magnificent Gothic 
stone Church ; of the consecration of which on the 11th of 
November, the Bishop says, in a letter to Mrs. Griswold ; — 
" We had very interesting services at the consecration to- 
day. The congregation was immense." 

At the time of the Convention of the Church in Massa- 
chusetts held this year in Boston, the clergy present had an 
informal meeting, on the subject of the Bishop's removal 
from Bristol to Salem. The following document imbodies 
their action on the case : — 

" At a meeting of the subscribers, clergymen of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church of the State of Massachusetts, 
held at St. Paul's Vestry, June 17th, 1829, the following 
resolution was unanimously adopted : — 

u Whereas, we have been informed that the congregation 
of St. Peter's Church, Salem, have applied, or are about to 



REMOVAL TO SALEM. 347 

apply, to our beloved and Right Rev. Diocesan to assume 
the pastoral care of that Church, therefore ; 

" Voted, as the sense of this meeting, that such arrange- 
ment would conduce materially to the interests of the Dio- 
cese, and is, to them personally, very desirable." 

Signed by nineteen of the Clergy of Massachusetts. 

This communication was, during the summer and autumn, 
followed by others of a private character, shewing such an 
increased strength of public sentiment in the Church in favor 
of the removal, and urging it on such strong grounds, that 
the Bishop at length yielded ; and, before the close of the 
year, resigned the charge of his parish in Bristol, amidst the 
affectionate regrets, though with the unmurmuring acquies- 
cence, of a people, whom he had so long and so faithfully 
served in the Gospel. The communication of the Wardens 
and Vestry, on that occasion, expressed both their attach- 
ment to his ministry, and their regard for his person, in 
warm and gratifying terms. 

" Bristol, Dec. 15th, 1829. 

" At a meeting of the Wardens and Vestry of St. Mi- 
chael's Church, the following resolution was passed : — 

"Whereas, the Right^Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, for 
more than twenty-five years past the Rector of this Church, 
has communicated his intention to resign his said office, it is 
therefore unanimously 

" Resolved ; — that his communication is received with 
the most unfeigned regret ; — that it is believed to have pro- 
ceeded from no feeling of indifference to the particular inte- 
rests of this parish, but from a sense of paramount duty as 
Bishop of the Diocese ; that we cherish a deep sense of 
the ability, zeal and faithfulness, with which he has so long 
and so usefully filled the office now proposed to be resigned, 
and a hope that the light of his past instructions will long 
beam upon the Scriptures read, the prayers offered, and 
other religious services performed, in this Church, causing 
still further accessions to the hitherto abundant fruit of his 
labors : — and that our best wishes for his health, happiness, 



348 MEMOIR, &C. 

prosperity and usefulness will accompany and remain with 
him, wherever he may reside, or exercise the duties of his 
high and important office. 

L. C. Richmond, Secretary." 



Between this date and the ensuing spring his removal to 
Salem took place ; and the vacant Rectorship in Bristol was 
filled by his able and worthy successor, the Rev. Mr. 
Bristed. 

Meanwhile, however, God was saddening, still more 
deeply than ever, that portion of his days, which he spent 
in Bristol. Death was to have one more victim from his 
family circle, before he left the dwelling, which had shelter- 
ed him in his many sorrows, as well as in his many joys. 
His son George, who had for several years been actively en- 
gaged in the ministry, with much of his father's character 
and virtues, and with bright prospects of usefulness and of 
happiness before him, having returned from a second visit 
to Cuba for his health, and learned the death of his wife 
and child just before his arrival in New York, made his 
way to Bristol amidst longings after heaven, and a readiness 
to depart and be with Christ. The evidently near close of 
his illness prevented his father from attending the Annual 
Convention of the Diocese ; and he therefore prepared and 
forwarded to the Secretary of that body his Annual Address 
to be read after the opening of its session. It began thus : 

" Prevented, beloved friends and brethren, by the deeply 
afflictive dispensation of a wise and righteous God, from 
being with you in Convention, I send you the Address, 
which has been prepared for the occasion." 

And thus the message ended ; — " Since the above was 
written, my son, the Rev. George Griswold, after a long 
and distressing illness, has departed this life. His short 
career, and earthly sorrows ceased yesterday, the 27th. 
Brethren, pray for me !" 

It was all that the mourning parent had time to say. 
And it was enough. The response, which he received 



DEATH OF REV. GEO. GRISWOLD. 349 

from his beloved brethren, shewed that he was in their 
hearts, and that his announcement had awakened their most 
earnest prayers in his behalf. Not only did they send him 
their affectionate official condolence through their Secretary, 
but the Secretary himself, expressing the common senti- 
ments of his brethren, and his own private and personal re- 
gards for the deceased, whom he had known from a School- 
boy, thus closes a letter full of beautiful and tender sym- 
pathy. * * * u These recollections, revived 
and deepened by the solemn dispensation of his early re- 
moval, I earnestly hope may be instrumental, through Di- 
vine grace, of spiritual awakening and improvement ; while 
they serve to add much interest to the precious exercise of 
prayer to God on your behalf under the trials, with which, 
in His holy pleasure and unabated tenderness, He sees fit 
to visit you. May He, who is able to turn darkness into 
light, and make of sorrow a blessing, visit you with the 
very richest and choicest consolations of His heavenly 
grace, in this season of affliction and trial. 

Very respectfully and affectionately, 
Your friend and servant, 

Theodore Edson, Sec'y of Conv'n." 

After this pause in recurrence to the incidents of the last 
few years, I proceed in the memoir. 

The year 1830 opens with the announcement of the Bishop's 
Volume of Sermons, as ready to issue from the press. It 
was a volume, which he was induced to publish at the solici- 
tation of his friends. It consists of discourses, prepared, 
originally, not for the press, but for the pulpit, and printed, 
with little or no alteration, from their original manuscripts. 
He did not, of course, expect either pecuniary emolument 
or literary fame, from the publication. They were plain, 
useful sermons, on some of the most important doctrines 
and duties of our religion ; full of deep and sound views, 
written in excellent style, and evincive of the thoroughly 
evangelical character of their author. They were soon 
favorably noticed, both in this country and in England ; and 

GG 



350 MEMOIR, &C. 

deservedly won for him the reputation of a sound and 
thorough Divine, and of a writer at once devout, perspicuous 
and chaste. They are well worthy of study both by the pri- 
vate Christian, seeking the cultivation of his religious affec- 
tions ; and by the theologian, seeking deep and Scriptural 
views of truth. " The great value of these sermons," says 
the Editor of the Philadelphia Recorder, in a private letter 
to the Bishop, " and the great good they are doing, cannot 
be overestimated." 

His correspondence for this year shews him abundant .in 
labors, but perhaps even increasingly hindered by the usual 
lack of faithful and abiding laborers in the ministry under 
him. From the letters of the Hon. Simon Greenleaf es- 
pecially, it seems that the parishes in Maine were from this 
cause deep sufferers. In that distant and thinly settled por- 
tion of the Diocese, it was even more difficult than it "was 
in other parts, to keep the small and scattered parishes 
steadily supplied. "Where there were but few clergy 
of any kind, it was at least natural , perhaps it was unavoid- 
able, that the nearest, largest and most important stations 
should engross the best, if not all of them. Still, with all 
allowances, there was, perhaps, some ground for Mr. Green- 
leaf's intimation that our lack of faithful and self-sacrificing 
ministers had some deeper cause than any, which lay on the 
surface of things. Pleading for the Saco parish, which ap- 
peared to be then on the verge of extinction, Mr. G. says, 
under date of June 10th, — " All we want is a man of true 
piety and zeal, and of competent talents. Cannot such a 
man be had ? We have money ; this has never been lack- 
ing ; and other denominations abound with ministers. Is our 
Church alone destitute ? Is its soil too cold to raise laborers 
for Christ in His vineyard ?" 

That our soil had been too cold the Bishop had abundant 
cause to feel. Why it had been so, the past history of the 
Eastern Diocese and of the early condition of Episcopacy 
in our Eastern States, furnishes, I apprehend, sufficient 
reasons ; while neither the Bishop, nor his estimable corres- 
pondent, belonged to that class, who seemed to think that 



the bishop's punctuality, &c. 351 

the best way to remedy the evil was, to spread over our 
ecclesiastical soil the cold light of a false praise. They 
were evidently of opinion that it was wiser to lay that soil 
naked, that it might be reached by a better light ; — warm 
light from the Sun of Righteousness, shed on the toils of a 
faithful, and, if need called, a severe and painful culture. 

I have alluded to the abundance of the Bishop's labors. 
On a tour in the month of June, this year, occurred an 
incident which forcibly illustrates a trait in his character, as 
connected with those labors ; — I mean, — his invariable 
punctuality in meeting all his appointments for Episcopal 
visitations. His unfailing success in this particular, thus 
far, seems to have rendered him almost too punctilious ; and 
even to have wrought in him a presentiment, or at least a 
desire, of being able to say, at the close of his ministry ; — 
" I have never failed of keeping my engagements, amidst 
all the perils and changes of a variously-checkered life of 
toil." At any rate, for the sake of punctuality to his ap- 
pointments, he often hazarded health, and sometimes life 
itself. ' 

The tour, which I have mentioned, led him through a 
part of Massachusetts into Rhode Island ; and having reach- 
ed Newport before the 10th of June, it became necessary to 
cross Narraganset Bay, in order to keep an appointment, 
which he had made at Wickford, in the old St. Paul's, or 
Narraganset Church. But, a violent gale, which had pre- 
vented an outward bound vessel from sailing for Cuba, was 
still raging, and had kept the regular ferry -packet from com- 
ing over on that day from Wickford to Newport. Here, 
indeed, was a difficulty, which would have kept most men 
housed. The swelling Narraganset, bowing its thousand 
waves before the strong blast of a still powerful wind and 
tempest, lay, eight miles broad, between him and his place 
of destination. Yet, he could not give up, without an 
effort, his purpose of being punctual to his engagement. 
By the offer of an extra reward, he induced a strong boat- 
man, in an open sail-craft, to attempt the passage. They 
set forth together on the dangerous essay. But, by the time 



352 MEMOIR, &C. 

they were midway on the water, the boatman felt the peril 
to be too great for farther progress. Addressing his passen- 
ger, therefore, he said ; " Bishop, I dare go no farther 
against such a wind as this!" The announcement was full 
of import. Still, the Bishop was undismayed. He did 
not, indeed, emulate the moral sublime of the ancient con- 
queror, in the inquiry ; " Quid times ? Csesarem vehis." 
« Why fearest thou ? Thou earnest Csesar." But rising 
above, into the higher sublime of a calm trust in Him, 
who holdeth the waters in the hollow of his hand, he sim- 
ply asked, — " Why ? What is the matter ?" " The craft has 
not ballast enough on her bottom ;" was the quick reply. 
" If she carried more ballast there, she might perhaps live 
through the Bay," " Would it help her," asked the Bishop, 
" if I were to lie down in the boat?" " No better ballast 
than that could she have ;" said the Boatman. The sug- 
gestion was no sooner made than adopted. Casting himself 
at full length upon his face into the bottom of the boat, with 
the weight of a strong frame much heavier than that of 
common men, the little vessel evidently felt the favor. She 
braced herself more strongly to the blast ; and though in 
hourly peril of going down, yet, after long toiling, she 
reached Wickford harbor, and the Bishop stepped thankfully 
upon the firm land. Yet, so wet and incrusted had his 
hat and garments become under the gray brine, which had 
been splashed over him, that the inhabitants of the village 
were scarcely able to recognize in him their old and well 
known visiter. 

But, upon reaching the house of the Rector of the parish, 
in season for the service, which he had appointed, he found 
that he had not been expected, and that therefore the Church 
had not been opened. The violence of the storm kept 
every one at home. The Rector himself was in utter 
amazement at his arrival, and exclaimed, " Why, Bishop, 
I would not have crossed the Narraganset, such a day as 
this, for a warranty deed of the whole Narraganset country!" 
Nor would the Bishop, for such an inducement as that. But 
under a sense of duty, he was ready to dare what no 



the bishop's punctuality, &c. 353 

pecuniary consideration could have bribed him to attempt. 
"I had made my appointments," said he, calmly, " and was 
not willing that the people should be disappointed through 
my fault." 

A similar illustration, though involving less of peril, oc- 
curred when on a visit, once, to one of the parishes in 
Massachusetts. A sudden freshet had carried off' the bridge, 
which crossed a stream near the village. The stage-coach 
reached the crossing a short time before the hour of service ; 
but, though the freshet had in a measure subsided, and 
though the driver was strongly urged to ford the stream, 
yet he refused to go forward. Leaving the stage-coach, 
therefore, with the remark that he " must not disappoint 
the good people, who were expecting him," the Bishop 
pulled off his boots and stockings, and, with his bundle, or 
valise, under his arm, w r aded the stream, walked forward to 
the village, and was thus enabled to keep the appointment, 
which he had made. 

Tt was scarcely an uncommon thing for him to arrive at 
the place, where he w^as engaged to officiate, just in time 
for service ; and, in garments soaked by the rain in which 
he had been riding, to go through service and sermon, 
rather than keep the congregation waiting while he changed 
his dress. 

And, now that I am in the way of illustrations on this point, 
I will give another instance of his punctuality, and, at the 
same time, of his willingness to put himself to trouble, when 
it was thought that good might thereby be done. He was 
engaged to consecrate the new Church at Bangor, Maine ; 
and several of his clergy had consented to accompany him. 
There were two ways of reaching that city of the East ; 
the one by steamer, and the other by stage. And, as the 
season of the year made travelling by land extremely tedious 
and uncomfortable, his clergy chose the former, as being at 
once comfortable, and, if wind and tide favored, expedi- 
tious. But, as there was an " if* on that way, and as the 
mail-coach was ordinarily sure of reaching its destination 
with punctuality, even though it were to be dragged through 

GG* 



354 MEMOIR, &C. 

the night , as well as through the mud, the Bishop chose 
this ; and the result was, that he reached Bangor in season, 
consecrated the Church at the hour appointed, and, with the 
departing congregation, was just leaving the Sanctuary as his 
more comfort-loving clergy reached the wharf of the steamer. 

But, to leave this subject, and to return to the order of 
events ; The Convention of the Diocese met this year, 1830, 
in Trinity Church, Boston, and the Bishop had the sad duty 
of announcing the decease of not only the respected Rector 
of that Church, but also two of our most prominent Bishops, 
Ravenscroft of North Carolina, and Hobart of New York. 
The tribute, which he paid to the memory of the honored 
dead was at once just and impressive ; — while that from the 
body of the Convention constituted the principal as well as 
the most affecting business of the session. The only other 
business transacted, that was of any importance, consisted 
in the appointment of a Committee on that part of the 
Bishop's Address, which had reference to the subject of 
Theological education in the Eastern jpiocese. 

From a part of the Bishop's correspondence, at the open- 
ing of the year 1831, in a letter from one of his brethren 
on the Episcopal bench, written in answer to one from him- 
self, — it appears that, not long before, there had been enter- 
tained the design, with some actual arrangements for effect- 
ing it, of introducing among the Bishops of our Church the 
official distinction of a Primus. Both the letter, which he 
had written, and that, which he now received, contained ex- 
pressions of thankfulness that the design and arrangements 
had been providentially overruled, and that thus our Church 
had been saved from a dangerous innovation on the Scrip- 
tural simplicity of its Episcopacy ; an innovation, which, 
had it not been thus prevented, might have riven our 
ecclesiastical system in sunder. 

As the year 1831 grew old, the Eastern Diocese began 
to enter on those movements, in which its already conflict- 
ing elements had for several years been preparing to imbody 
themselves. Just before the Convention of our Church in 



OPENING MOVEMENTS IN 1831. 355 

Massachusetts, in the month of June, the Bishop received a 
letter from the Rev. Mr. Doane, who, since the decease of 
his predecessor, Dr. Gardiner, had been elected Rector of 
Trinity Church, Boston ; — informing him that the parish 
were about to be favored with the services of the Rev. Mr. 
Hopkins, as assistant minister ; and intimating that one of 
the considerations, which might induce Mr. H. to accept 
such appointment, would be, an assurance that he should at 
once enter on the duties of the proposed Theological school 
in the vicinity of Boston. With this plan, it appears from 
other letters, was connected another for the dissolution of 
the Eastern Diocese and for the retention of Bishop Gris- 
wold in the supervision of Massachusetts alone. 

Accordingly, upon the opening of the Massachusetts Con- 
vention for 1831, two Committees were apointed; the one, 
to consider and report, before the close of the session, "on 
the expediency and propriety of that State's withdrawing 
from the Eastern Diocese, and having a Bishop exclusively 
to itself:" and the other, "to consider the subject of Theo- 
logical education, and report a plan to the" then " present 
Convention." The former Committee was moved by E. A. 
Newton, Esq. ; and the latter by E. H. Robbins, Esq. The 
latter Committee made its report first; recommended the 
establishment, forthwith, of a Theological School at Cam- 
bridge ; and presented its plan for the constitution and 
government of such school ; all, with special reference to 
the immediate employment of Mr. Hopkins, (who had now 
accepted his appointment in Trinity Church,) as one of its 
professors. Soon after, the former Committee also presented 
its report ; in which it recommended the withdrawment of 
Massachusetts from the Eastern Diocese, provided such a 
movement could be made with the consent of all the other 
States composing the Diocese, and on condition that the 
Episcopal jurisdiction of Bishop Griswold be retained in the 
State proposing to withdraw. 

In proceeding to act on these reports, the Convention, after 
debate, resolved on the organization of the proposed Theo- 



356 MEMOIR, &C. 

logical School, and took the first step in that organization by 
the appointment of a board of Trustees. After similar de- 
bate, it also resolved, on the conditions specified, that Massa- 
chusetts withdraw from the Eastern Diocese ; and that their 
Secretary communicate the report, on which this resolution 
was based, to the Standing Committees of Rhode Island, 
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, for their considera- 
tion. 

Massachusetts having thus taken her stand, let us now 
pass to the doings of the Eastern Diocese and its Conven- 
tion, which met, as usual, in September, and at Salem, Mass. 

In his Annual Address, the Bishop referred to the action 
of Massachusetts on both the forenamed subjects ; commend- 
ed the establishment of the Theological School ; and pro- 
fessed his willingness to acquiesce in any decision, which 
the Convention might be pleased to make, on the question 
of the proposed dissolution of the Eastern Diocese. 

The organization of the Theological School, of course re- 
ceived the sanction and commendation of the Convention ; 
for it had long been a favorite object with the Bishop and 
with many of his clergy. But the proposal to dissolve the 
Diocese was new, and it is natural to suppose that the Con- 
vention would have rejected it, had it not been for the pre- 
vious action of Massachusetts, and the communication which 
it now received from the Convention in Vermont. This 
latter body had received and acted on the resolutions from 
Massachusetts ; and it now addressed to the Convention of 
the Diocese a document, imbodying, among other matters, 
the following resolutions : 

u That this Convention fully concur with the Convention 
of Massachusetts in the conviction that it is expedient and 
desirable that, as soon as circumstances permit, arrangements 
be made for dividing the Eastern Diocese into smaller Epis- 
copal jurisdictions :" and 

" That the Secretary of this Convention be, and hereby 
is, directed to make application to the next Diocesan Con- 
vention, and to the several State Conventions in the Eastern 



MOVEMENTS IN 1831. 357 

Diocese, for permission to erect this State into a separate 
Diocese, as soon as such separation can be regularly 
effected. " 

Meanwhile, it was understood that the Church in New 
Hampshire, having called a special Convention, was op- 
posed to the withdrawment of Massachusetts ; and therefore, 
without waiting for the action of Rhode Island and Maine, 
the Convention of the Eastern Diocese contented itself with 
some merely conditional and preparatory action. It ap- 
proved of the course, which Massachusetts and Vermont had 
signified their wish to pursue ; and proposed moreover two 
alterations in its own constitution ; the one, that whenever a 
vacancy occurred in its Episcopacy, the Diocese should, by 
that event, be dissolved ; and the other, allowing any one of 
the five States to withdraw, without the consent of the re- 
maining four, by simply obtaining that of the Bishop. 

The subsequent result from all this action was ; that these 
proposed alterations were rejected ; that Vermont received 
the permission, which it had asked from the other States, 
and thereupon withdrew and organized itself into a separate 
Diocese ; and that Massachusetts, without further action, 
remained in connexion with Rhode Island, New Hampshire 
and Maine; these four States constituting henceforth the 
Eastern Diocese, till the year 1838, when it began to be still 
further diminished by the nominal withdrawment of New 
Hampshire and Maine. 

All this action of the various Conventions appears very quiet, 
as its surface lies spread out on the pages of the printed Jour- 
nals. Nevertheless, it was accompanied with a deep and strong 
under-current of feeling. To those engaged in the transac- 
tions, and observant of the motion of things, it was obvious 
that the elements of the Church, which had for some time 
been under the action of influences not altogether harmonious, 
were fast working themselves up to a development not alto- 
gether peaceful. To this state of facts, the Bishop evident- 
ly alludes in a letter to one of his correspondents, dated, 
June 22d, 1831. 



358 MEMOIR, &C. 

"The Massachusetts Convention," he observes, "have 
determined on dividing the Diocese. Probably it will soon 
be in four or five ; and who are to be the Bishops is a ques- 
tion of high importance, and, I fear, the subject of some 
intrigue. May the Lord direct." 

To the same state of facts, he also alludes in another letter 
to a different correspondent, and at the later date of Dec. 
15th, 1831. 

" The Churches in this Diocese," he writes, " have now 
for twenty years been remarkably united, and little has been 
said among us of high or low Church. To which side indi- 
viduals of our clergy incline, I have known but little, and 
cared less. I have endeavored to maintain a perfect impar- 
tiality among them. But I have recently observed, and with 
no little concern, that a spirit of such party distinction is 
shewing itself among us. Should it increase, I shall think 
it the greatest evil, that has happened to our Churches." 

He was doubtless aware of the existence, origin and 
growth of this spirit ; but probably hoped that it would be 
prevented, by the prevalence of general harmony, from burst- 
ing forth into open expression. Afflicted man ! He was most 
sadly disappointed. 

In truth, there was no part of our Church, in the whole 
United States, so strongly exposed to the party distinctions, 
which he names, as the Diocese, over which he presided. 
Embracing the elements of five distinct future Dioceses, 
under a Bishop, now rapidly travelling down into the vale 
of years, whose influence, however impartially, was yet 
steadily tending to overspread his whole extended charge 
with his own peculiarly evangelical views ; it is easy to see 
that its condition presented, to those, both within and with- 
out the Diocese, who disliked his views, a most powerful- 
invitation to attempt the early dissolution of the union under 
his jurisdiction; and thus to prevent, as far as might be, 
(what was, doubtless in all honesty, contemplated by some 
as a calamity,) the almost certain erection, after his decease, 
of five independent Dioceses, with each its own evangelical 



MOVEMENTS IN 1831. 359 

Bishop. It is also easy to see that this whole state of things 
presented a subject, which it was morally impossible to ap- 
proach, and touch with the hand of meditated change, with- 
out producing the strongest excitement of feeling, and the 
most dangerous conflict of influences. While the truth of a 
remark, formerly made, becomes more than ever manifest, 
that had Bishop Griswold been other than he was, a wisely 
meek, prudent, and peace-loving man, it would have been 
impossible to prevent a shock to the interests of religion and 
the Church almost infinitely more disastrous than that, which 
was subsequently given. The question, whether the pro- 
posed Theological School should arise under one kind of in- 
fluence, or another ; — and the question, whether any one of 
the five States should withdraw from the Diocese under one 
set of auspices, or another, were evidently both complicated 
with the difficulties arising out of the state of things, to 
which I have adverted. And there can be no doubt, that 
while both these questions tended to produce excitement, 
this very excitement made action on those questions much 
slower and less productive than it would otherwise have 
been. As soon as action in either direction was attempted, 
the silent consciousness, that it might not be entirely satisfac- 
tory to a venerated Diocesan, seemed to throw incertitude 
and indecision into the movement, and thus to keep practi- 
cal results within narrow limits. Vermont, it is true, soon 
withdrew from the other States by general consent ; but this 
was before any particular development of the tendencies, 
which were rising within the Diocese. The Theological 
School, also, was organized, and one professor entered on the 
instruction of a class of pupils. But, the moment tins pro- 
fessor was removed into the new Episcopate of Vermont, that 
school became a mere organization on paper. Excitement, 
meanwhile, rose to its height in 1832 ; subsided ; and then rose 
again in 1838 ; but it led to no available action; and the Eastern 
Diocese continued, without either Theological School, or a 
dissolution into its primitive elements, until that dissolution 
was brought on, in the appointed way, by the demise of its 
Bishop. Some time before that event, indeed, in the years 



360 MEMOIR, &C. 

1838 and 1839, New Hampshire and Maine, nominally with- 
drew from the Diocese ; yet they elected no Bishop, but re- 
mained subject to the jurisdiction of Bishop Griswold till the 
period of his death. It is also true that, at the same time, 
Rhode Island, by a vote of its Convention, resolved to with- 
draw ; and permission to withdraw was given by the other 
States. But this action was the occasion of intense excite- 
ment, and, amidst this excitement, was rescinded by the vote 
of a subsequent Convention ; and so Rhode Island continued 
an integral portion of the Diocese during the remainder of 
the Bishop's life. 

Thus long and deeply was the Eastern Diocese agitated 
by the movements, which really had their first organized ac- 
tion in the events, which I have been recording in the year 
1831. And yet, thus ineffectual was this agitation to the 
practical dissolution of the Diocese during the life-time of 
him, with whose Episcopate it began. And the nearer he 
drew to the termination of his course, the stronger waxed 
the feeling of unwillingness to disturb the order of things, 
over which he had so long presided. 

It was in the year 1831, amidst the first open risings of 
this protracted agitation, that " The Banner of the Church," 
2l new religious periodical, was started, on " the individual 
responsibility" of its editor ; and that the Rev. Mr. Potter, 
equally to the surprise and regret of all, retired from the 
rectorship of St. Paul's Church, Boston. Amidst the excite- 
ing and exhausting duties, which pressed upon him, his 
health failed, and he found it necessary to resign his charge. 
His generous parishioners offered him the means of foreign 
travel for the benefit of his health ; but as his difficulties 
affected mainly his organs of speech, he chose to return to 
Schenectady and to resume his duties as one of the Faculty 
of Union College. Probably no clergyman, the Bishop ex- 
cepted, ever acquired a wider or a more salutary influence 
in the Eastern Diocese than he. Certainly, none ever re- 
tired from it amidst expressions of more general and heart- 
felt sorrow from those, whom he left behind. 

Before entering upon some notice of the events, which 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. BRISTED. 361 

rendered the year 1832 memorable in the history of the 
Eastern Diocese, I will give a portion of the Bishop's cor- 
respondence for that year, on a subject not connected with 
those events, yet of some interest by itself. The letters, 
which I introduce, will explain themselves. 

" Bristol, R. I., March 2, 1832. 

" Right Reverend and dear Sir, — * * * * 
***** For some months past, 
the Congregational minister of Bristol has, from time to time, 
pressed me to exchange pulpits with him. I have hitherto 
waived it. At length, this morning, the minister with one 
of his deacons, came to me, as a committee, appointed at a 
church-meeting, to propose an interchange of pulpits, or to 
receive and report to the Congregationalists the reason, why 
I would not exchange. Finding it placed in this official, for- 
mal manner, I told the Committee that I should lay the 
proposal before you, as Bishop ; and whatever was deemed 
right and proper, in the premises, I should do it. The Com- 
mittee then proposed that our societies," (congregations) 
" should unite in the monthly concerts for prayer to promote 
missionary efforts. I answered that I would write to you 
respecting this also. Be so obliging, when you have leisure, 

as to direct me what to do in both these cases. * 

****** 

With perfect respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

John Bristed." 
Right Rev. Bishop Griswold. 

" Salem, March loth, 1832. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — Yours of the 2d has been some 
days received. I should have answered you sooner but for 
ill health, with which I have been confined for almost two 
weeks. 

" For what reason the Congregational minister of Bristol 
is so desirous, as you state, to exchange pulpits with you, I 



HH 



362 MEMOIR, &C. 

do not see. I can see no good, and I can foresee some evil, 
which will be likely to result from it. 'Tis well known that 
our Church is liberal. I think none more so, in the true 
sense of the word. And it has ever been particularly my 
wish to cultivate love and harmony among all Christian peo- 
ple, and to do nothing to increase and perpetuate the di- 
visions, which unhappily exist. And Christians are now 
universally convinced that (to use a common vulgar phrase) 
we should agree to differ ; that each denomination should 
worship in their own way and according to what they think 
most agreeable to God's will. Generally, the Congrega- 
tionalists dislike our worship more than our people do theirs. 
If you take ours into their meeting-house, they will not be 
so well pleased, or edified as with their own ; for they would 
not enter into the spirit of it : and our congregation will not 
be so well edified with theirs. Both congregations will be 
losers by the exchange, in regard to their prayer of faith. 
And certainly, neither of you two ministers will be willing, 
even for one day, to lay aside (to please men) the prayers, 
which he believes to be more acceptable to God, for others, 
which he believes to be less so. 

" If it be said, that the object is to promote brotherly affec- 
tion, that object is certainly excellent; but it may, I think, 
be better attained in other ways, which will be attended 
with no inconvenience. If any of your people desire occa- 
sionally to attend their worship, we have no rule against it. 

Dr. W . and myself formerly had a union, which I think 

answered all the good purposes, which you intend, without 
any of the evil consequences, which may be feared : that is ; 
he officiated one Sunday evening in his own house, and in 
his own way ; and I, the next, in mine, alternately ; leaving 
all the people of both congregations free to attend either or 
both places as they pleased. Each house was then sufficient- 
ly large to accommodate all who attended the exercises. 
So far as my knowledge extends, attempts at union, where 
there is any thing unnatural, or incongruous, have not pros- 
pered ; they have rather tended to jealousy and disunion. 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. BRISTED. 363 

Congregationalists, Methodists and Baptists may, with less 
unfitness, interchange ; for their worship is very similar : but 
ours is radically different. 

" What is proposed in the other union of a monthly con- 
cert^ I know not. I think it probable they will not give up 
their way and conform to yours. Without a mutual con- 
formity, I see not how it can be truly called a union. I can 
only say generally, that I would have Episcopalians unite 
with all Christians, so far as they can do it without departing 
from their own principles. For the truth's sake give up 
every thing but the truth. But, above all, if Christians 
would unite, ' let love be without dissimulation •' banish 
from the heart all sectarian prejudices and evil surmisings ; 
let there be no underhand-plotting, nor secret devices : and 
most of all, let Christians take heed how they speak against 
each other; how they misrepresent the doctrines or the 
principles of others. Cultivate that charity, which thinketh 
no evil, and which rejoiceth in the truth. 

a Should it be said, that our unwillingness to intermingle 
with others, as now proposed, is from illiberality, or sec- 
tarism, it would be untrue, and of course uncharitable and 
wicked. We decline the union from a sense of propriety, 
from adherence to principle, and to avoid evil. 

" I might have added what is well known, and ought to 
be well considered, that the Congregationalists have rejected 
from their system some things, which were universally held 
by Christians through the first fifteen centuries, and which 
we fully believe to be essential parts of Christianity. We 
have no wish to judge them ; they have full right to embrace 
what they think to be the truth : but we must take heed to 
ourselves, and walk according to what we undoubtingly be- 
lieve to be the truth. 

" But I shall not enter into this point ; though it is the 

most essential in the question above considered. * * 

* * * * * * 

Very affectionately, yours, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. John Bristed. 



364 MEMOIR, &C. 



From this correspondence it is not to be inferred, on the 
one hand, that Mr. Bristed desired the interchange requested ; 
he was plainly enough opposed to it : while, on the other hand, 
it is evident that the Bishop was writing more for the Com- 
mittee, who had waited on Mr. Bristed, than for Mr. Bristed 
himself. His letter is a specimen of his manner of dealing 
with questions like those proposed. He might have said at 
once, and in an offensive way ; " our fundamental principle, 
as Episcopalians, forbids such exchanges." But he chose 
to shew that, on other grounds of abundantly sufficient 
strength, such exchanges are undesirable ; will, ordinarily, 
lead to more evil than good ; and are therefore to be dis- 
couraged from a regard to the peace and harmony of all 
classes concerned. This, if his letter were shewn to them, 
the Congregationalists of Bristol must have seen ; while the 
Christian spirit, in which it was told them, must have com- 
mended the Bishop's views to their entire approbation. In- 
deed, the reasons against the proposed exchanges, inde- 
pendently of that, to which the Bishop merely alludes in the 
conclusion of his letter, are so clear and satisfactory, that, 
whoever considers them attentively, must, I should suppose, 
see that a refusal to exchange pulpits in the way suggested, 
springs from a wise, and not from an uncharitable spirit. 

In Diocesan affairs, the elements of disunion, which we 
have seen in action during the year 1831, received increased 
activity from an incident, which occurred in the spring of 
1832. The great want of the Church, especially in the 
Eastern Diocese, was, as we have seen, a want of clergy to 
occupy the various stations, which were becoming vacant, 
or rising as new posts of ministerial labor. Originally the 
term, during which students in divinity were required to 
stand candidates for orders, was one year. But, in 1826, 
the General Convention increased that term to three years, in 
accordance with the term of study required in the General 
Theological Seminary; giving, however, to the Bishops, 
with the consent of the clerical members of their Standing 
Committees, the power of dispensing with any portion of 
that term not greater than two years. After the enactment 



OPENING MOVEMENTS IN 1832. 365 

of that canon, this dispensing power was frequently exer- 
cised. Under the pressing exigences of the case, it had been 
exercised in the Eastern Diocese, perhaps, more frequently 
than in others. Whenever the Bishop, judging in view of 
the circumstances around him, recommended its exercise, 
the clerical members of the Standing Committee had uni- 
formly consented. But, now that a Theological School had 
been opened in the vicinity of Boston, the term of study in 
which was to be, like that in the General Seminary, three 
years ; the Standing Committee in Massachusetts thought it 
best to restrict the exercise of the dispensing power in all 
but the most special cases of necessity, or the most constrain- 
ing cases of expediency. An opportunity for action soon 
arose. Three divinity students, who had been candidates 
for the necessary canonical term of one year, presented them- 
selves before that Standing Committee for recommendation 
to Deacon's orders ; accompanying their application with the 
Bishop's official advice, that the dispensing power under the 
canon be exercised in their favor. The Standing Committee 
refused their consent ; and sent their reasons for so doing to 
the Bishop in the form of a " resolution." The wisdom of 
this refusal it is not my province to discuss. It is sufficient 
to say, that, admitting its wisdom, there was enough in all 
the past, and especially in the then present state of things in 
the Diocese, to render it, as it proved, an occasion of in- 
creased excitement through our Eastern Church. The act 
of the Standing Committee gave great dissatisfaction ; and 
the feeling instantly prepared to imbody and express itself, 
at the approaching Convention of the Church in Massachu- 
setts, in the election of a new set of members to the Stand- 
ing Committee, and of delegates to the General Convention. 
While this excitement was agitating the Church in Mas- 
sachusetts, the Church in Vermont was engaged in the ex- 
citing, but not agitating work of completing its separation 
from the Eastern Diocese, by electing its first Bishop. This 
election having been made, the Convention followed it with 
a parting address to Bishop Griswold, which, as it is of high 



366 MEMOIR, &C. 

interest, I here insert. It belongs to the history of him, of 
whom I write. 

" The Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
the State of Vermont, 

" To the Right Reyerend Alexander V. Griswold, Bishop 
of the Eastern Diocese ; 

"In assuming the station of a distinct and independent 
Diocese, we are reminded, at every step of our measures, of 
the relation, which our Church, during the period of twenty 
years, has sustained towards you. Amidst the interest at- 
tending this great and affecting crisis in our ecclesiastical 
concerns, our 'hearts are bowed as the heart of one man' at 
the thought of taking leave of him, whose hands, after the 
manner of the holy Apostles, have been laid on us and on 
our children, blessing, confirming and ordaining in God's 
name. When we look back to the period of your first visi- 
tations, and consider that we were then £ the fewest of all 
people,' we feel thankfully sensible of that Providence, which 
set you over us in the Lord, and which enabled you, by ex- 
ample, counsel and doctrine, to contribute much towards the 
revival of His work among us. And now, in the very fact 
of our separation, we make it manifest that the good hand of 
our God has hitherto rested on us, multiplying and strength- 
ening us under your ministry ; and at length granting us such 
possessions and prospects both spiritual and temporal, as 
seem to make it plain that we ought to ask of the great Head 
of the Church the entire services of a Bishop. This crisis 
has indeed been delayed through an extreme unwillingness 
to deprive ourselves of the ministrations of a Bishop, whom 
we so truly revere and love. And we come to our present 
measures only under the conviction, that our Churches need 
a degree of attention, which no man can possibly render, 
whose field of duty, and weight of burdens are so great as 
yours. It may be truly said that the Lord has so multiplied 
the seed sown under your ministry, that the fruits have be- 
come more than you can gather. In compliance, therefore, 
with a suggestion often repeated by yourself, we are at length 



PARTING LETTER FROM VERMONT, &C. 367 

constrained to invite ' another to enter into your labors,' in 
the full belief, i that both he that hath sowed, and he that 
shall reap, will rejoice together.' 

" And now, Reverend Father, while with grateful and 
affectionate hearts we take leave of you, ' sorrowing most of 
all that we shall see your face no more,' suffer us, as the 
children of your prayers and labors of love, to beg an in- 
terest in your remembrance and in your daily supplications 
before the throne of grace. And be assured that, towards 
you, we shall never cease to cherish a filial regard ; nor 
will it cease to be our hearts' desire, that the Lord will have 
you in His holy and special keeping ; sealing your office and 
ministry with abundant effusions of His Holy Spirit, and thus 
multiplying your i crowns of rejoicing in the day of the Lord 
Jesus.' " 

Middlebury, May 31st, 1832. 

This appropriate and touching tribute was signed by 
the thirteen clerical, and thirty-one lay members of the Con- 
vention, which acted in taking leave of one Bishop and in 
electing another. The feelings which it awakened in the 
bosom of the former can be more easily conceived than ex- 
pressed. He thus briefly responded to it in his Annual Ad- 
dress for 1833. " As the Churches in Vermont were, till 
lately, a part of this Diocese, and met with us in this Con- 
vention, we should cherish towards them a greater degree 
of brotherly affection ; and you must feel some interest in 
knowing, what I understand to be the fact, that affairs in that 
Diocese continue very prosperous. Those beloved Churches, 
i among whom I have gone preaching the Gospel' for many 
years, and which probably in this world I shall see no more, 
will have a place daily in my remembrance, and not be 
forgotten in my prayers. We shall, I trust, soon meet in a 
Convention never to be separated." 

But, the principal incidents of this year, in their power 
to move the Church, remain to be noticed. The present 
writer, having been elected to the vacant Rectorship of St. 
Paul's Church, Boston, entered on the duties of that parish, 



368 MEMOIR, &C. 

early in the month of June, almost wholly ignorant of the 
ecclesiastical condition of things around him. The Con- 
vention of the Church in Massachusetts, however, which 
opened on the 20th of that month, revealed to him the whole. 
He then found that he had approached a mountain, which, 
from a distance, had seemed quiet and beautiful, only to be 
covered with a somew T hat large proportion of the lava and 
ashes, thrown up by its sudden, volcanic explosion. Could 
he, from that distance, have heard its low, premonitory 
rumbling, or seen the heavy cloud, which was gathering so 
threateningly above it, this, to say the least, would have 
much increased the hesitation, which, even in his ignorance 
of the true state of things, had well nigh prevented his en- 
trance upon so important a sphere of duty. 

This incident, or train of incidents, is mentioned, not 
for the purpose of introducing a minute account of its par- 
ticulars, — but to give an idea of the condition of the Dio- 
cese at this period. It is too early in the day to write the 
history of the Massachusetts Convention of 1832, any further 
than that history may be found in the documents, which 
have already been published to the world. There is indeed, 
a mass of materials, from which much additional light might 
be thrown on the subject. But, even if it should ever be 
deemed expedient to write more than has been written, this 
is not the time, and doubtless many will agree in saying, 
that the present writer is not the historian, for giving to the 
public more than the public already knows. Probably, what 
is here to be added will be deemed a sufficient notice of a 
series of events, the actors in which are soon to pass away, 
and of which the religious results alone will then be of any 
abiding importance. 

When the Convention of Massachusetts in 1832 came 
together, it was found that, without any previous concert, 
other than that of common sympathy in the events, which 
had transpired, and in the feelings, which, for years past, 
those events had been awakening, a majority, voting in the 
customary way, were prepared to elect a new Standing Com- 
mittee and a new delegation to the approaching General Con- 



MASSACHUSETTS MOVEMENTS IN 1832. 369 

vention. Some of the old members in each of these bodies 
were indeed retained ; but the new members elected chang- 
ed the character of both. The result, when announced, 
threw the Convention into a high state of excitement ; and 
an attempt was very soon made to declare the elections 
null and void, on the ground, that they had not been made 
in strict conformity to the letter of the Constitution of the 
Church in Massachusetts. The debate, which ensued, was 
spirited ; but the attempt, which led to it, was not success- 
ful. It was opposed, especially by the Bishop, on the 
ground that, if these elections were null and void, so had 
been all the elections, which had been made under the 
constitution for the last twenty years ; and that, as these 
elections had been made in the customary way, if their 
result had been in favor of all the former members of the 
Committee and Delegation, those, who now sought to set 
them aside, would questionless have been abundantly satis- 
fied with their constitutionality. 

But, although the attempt to set aside the elections did 
not succeed, yet it was sufficient to uncap a laboring volcano 
and to kindle the flames of disunion into their fiercest glow. 
All the other States in the Diocese were heated by them. 
They flashed up through the weekly religious, and through 
the daily secular, papers ; and scorching, even in their 
descent, were the mixed elements, which they cast abroad 
through the air. Other, and more distant Dioceses felt the 
shock of the commotion from the Trimountain city. Its 
wavy and heaving agitations rolled troublously through 
even the General Convention, which assembled the ensuing 
October. And, had it not been for the auspicious results of 
that Convention, it is impossible to conjecture what would 
have been the effect of the whole on the remaining history 
and destinies of the Eastern Diocese. 

The true cause of all this commotion was to be found, 
I conceive, not merely in the infirmities of poor human na- 
ture, (infirm, however it may array itself on the one side, 
or on the other, of ecclesiastical questions) but in the great 
importance of these Massachusetts elections. They threaten- 



370 MEMOIR, &C. 

ed, if sustained, a new action in the ecclesiastical influences 
of that important member of the Eastern Diocese ; and the 
coming General Convention, before which was to be brought 
for decision one of the most profoundly serious and agitat- 
ing questions, that had ever shaken the whole frame of our 
Ecclesiastical union, was to be the scene, in which this 
new action of Massachusetts influence was first to be felt. 
Bishop Chase of Ohio, amidst the troubles brought upon 
him by the affairs of Kenyon College, had recently resigned, 
not only the Presidency of that Institution, but also, as as- 
sociated with it by the Charter of the College, the Episco- 
pal jurisdiction of his Diocese ; and the Rev. C. P. Mcll- 
vaine of Brooklyn, New York, had been forthwith elected 
his successor. Thus, before the General Convention of this 
year was to be brought the question'; — whether a Bishop in 
our Church could resign his Episcopal jurisdiction, and be 
left a Bishop at large ? Upon the decision of this question 
rested that of the proposed consecration of Mr. Mcllvaine ; 
and upon this hung dubiously the question whether any of 
the three candidates for consecration,* who had recently 
been elected, would, at that time, be admitted to the higher 
ministry before them ? The debate upon the leading ques- 
tion in this series was unusually protracted, eminently able, 
and painfully affecting. The honorable President Duer, of 
Columbia College, New York, at the close of an argument, 
which lasted for several days, in favor of accepting Bishop 
Chase's resignation, and of consecrating his successor, 
could not restrain his tears as he adverted, in dismissing his 
subject, to the probable effect on the Church at large of a 
refusal to consummate the action of Ohio. Our whole 
Church felt profoundly the solemnity of her position. The 
ground beneath her seemed in motion ; and awful apprehen- 
sion was alive, that it might cleave asunder, and leave the 
Church in two divisions on opposite sides of the chasm ! 

* The present Bishops, Hopkins of Vermont, Mcllvaine of Ohio, and 
Smith of Kentucky. To these a fourth Candidate was afterwards added, 
in the election of the Rev. Mr. Doane of Trinity Church, Boston, to the 
Episcopate of New Jersey, just on the eve of the General Convention. 



GENERAL CONVENTION OF 1832. 371 

This whole attitude and movement of our general eccle- 
siastical affairs was rendered more afflictively troublous, 
than it would otherwise have been, by the painful position, 
in which the new delegation from Massachusetts were 
placed. They at least felt that the scenes, through which 
they were passing, were alive with prophecies of future 
weal or wo to the Church. 

Without following this allusion further, it will be 
enough to say, that, when the General Convention came to 
act on the principal question before it, the vote in the house 
of Delegates being taken by States, there was but a ma- 
jority of one in favor of accepting the resignation of Bishop 
Chase and of proceeding to consummate the action of Ohio ; 
and that, had the election in Massachusetts resulted other- 
wise than it did, our whole Church would inevitably have 
been precipitated upon a catastrophe, the disastrous conse- 
quences of which Omniscience alone could foresee, and 
Omnipotence alone, avert. 

Such was the position of our general affairs, in view of 
which the elections in Massachusetts were made ; and, al- 
though the whole importance and solemnity of this position 
was not, and could not have been, apparent at the time of 
those elections, yet, as " coming events" often " cast their 
shadows before," it was from their evidently profound 
depths that those elections drew most of their power to 
disturb the Eastern Diocese, and to make our most troubled 
General Convention still more deeply troublous. 

But, " after the storm comes a calm." And so it proved 
in Massachusetts, — as well as in other parts of the Church. 
Her Theological school became suddenly extinct, by the 
consecration of Bishop Hopkins for Vermont. By that of 
Bishop Doane for New Jersey, her Standing Committee was 
left to act as it had been accustomed to act, in harmony 
with the Bishop's advice. The question, also, of a division 
of the Eastern Diocese subsided, and for years afterwards 
was unfelt. And even " The Episcopal Missionary So- 
ciety" of the State fell into dormancy after a period of use- 



372 MEMOIR, &C. 

fol, but troubled activity : and thus the whole body of the 
Church there was left, after a few months, in a compara- 
tively motionless state. 

The pressure, on the feelings of Bishop Griswold, of all 
this period of agitation and change, may, after the views 
already given of his character, be easily conceived. He 
suffered deeply, but calmly. His spirit was afflicted; 
but his constancy was unmoved. His decisions and ac- 
tion were assailed, and he defended himself; but it was 
in his own way, without criminating others, and with 
a simple statement of his own principles of conduct, and of 
the facts, in view of which he had acted. In one of his 
letters of self-defence, the original of which lies before me, 
and which was written at a time when one side accused 
him of acting too much, and another of not acting enough, 
in the scenes, which were passing, (a fact, which shews 
that, in what he did, he acted by himself, and for himself, 
and just so far as his own judgment prompted,) he makes 
the following remarks ; which, as they relate to himself 
alone, may, with propriety, be inserted here. 

" I am well aware how much I am accused of want of 
energy and decision. I know, too, as well as those, who 
remind me of it, that had a clergyman under the jurisdiction 

of , done such a thing," (he alludes here to a 

certain article, which had just been published,) " he would 

soon have experienced the fate of , , &c. But I 

am not yet persuaded that the mild (and I trust impartial) 
manner, with which I have executed the office of a Bishop, 
is not according to the spirit of the Gospel, and the example 
of its adorable author. So far as my conduct has been ac- 
cording to God's Word, I am satisfied with it. If a Bishop 
will become the head of a party, or strenuously enforce 
the views and promote the interests of one designation of 
religionists, by them of course he will be highly extolled. 
Such was the merit of many saints of old. I covet no such 
fame ; and will never be either the head or the tool of a 
party. Whether I am called High-church, or Low-church, 



MASSACHUSETTS MOVEMENTS IN 1832. 373 

I am totally indifferent ; for I cannot easily decide which I 
most dislike. The former, it is well known, are the most 
impatient of control, the least willing to be governed. 

The canting language, a few years since so much used in 
Pennsylvania, about the Bishop's friends, and the Bishop's 
enemies , was, in my view, very contemptible ; and my 
prayer is never to hear it in this Diocese. It is well known, 
that, in seasons of excitement, and when party spirit pre- 
dominates, to be impartial satisfies neither side ; — but I 
had rather be censured for doing right, than praised for 
doing wrong. One thing I will say (call it boasting if you 
will) in defiance of all proof to the contrary, that I have 
uniformly avoided cabals, and intrigue, and have endeavor- 
ed in some degree to follow the example of Him, who ever 
spake openly, and in secret said nothing. My opinion, when 
proper to express it, I have been ready to give openly, and, 
I trust, without the fear of man." 

To those, who were with the Bishop through all the agi- 
tating events, at which I have glanced, and who observed 
the meekly calm and subdued, yet intensely solicitous and 
watchful spirit, with which he passed through this period of 
trial, the above remarks will appear a fit imbodying of his 
mind ; committed to none, striving to do right by all ; bear- 
ing reproach meekly, yet, while standing under it, exclaim- 
ing manfully; " Strike, but hear me." 

Just before the great General Convention in October of 
this year, he met the Convention of the Eastern Diocese in 
Boston. In his Annual Address, having recently resigned 
his jurisdiction of the State of Vermont, as one of the origi- 
nal integral parts of the Diocese, and knowing that the case 
of Bishop Chase would soon bring up before the General 
Convention the question whether such resignations were 
admissible in our Church, he took occasion to state his views 
on the general principle involved. His statement is brief; 
but it embraces, nevertheless, the substance of what was 
afterwards said, on the affirmative, in that great ten days' 

ii 



374 MEMOIR, &C. 

debate, to which I have alluded in speaking of the General 
Convention of this year. 

" As I have resigned the jurisdiction of Vermont," he 
observes, " and that state is now become a separate Dio- 
cese, it will be sufficient to state, and I am happy to have it 
in my power truly to state, that I leave it in great prosperity. 
Eighteen years ago they had but one, or at most two offi- 
ciating clergymen : now they have twelve or more. They 
then had not one Church edifice properly their own ; now 
they have twelve new ones, which are consecrated, and 
five or six more, which are built, or in building. Then, if 
I recollect aright, they had three organized parishes : in 
their late Convention, twenty-four were represented. 
Thousands of dollars they have in that time expended in 
obtaining possession of the lands, which belong to this 
Church : now, as we hope, the business is settled, and 
those expensive litigations at an end. 

" From our public journals it appears to be made a question, 
whether a Bishop can, consistently with his duty and the 
nature of his office, relinquish the jurisdiction of Churches, 
which have been under his Episcopal care ; and it will of 
course be proper that I should express my views upon this 
point. The question with me is one of principle only, not 
of party feeling, or of respect to a particular case ; and I 
know not, from the Scriptures, or the nature of the office, 
from the Canons or the usages of the Church, any objec- 
tion to a Bishop's resigning his Diocese, which does not, in 
principle, also apply to a Rector's leaving his charge. Should 
it be said that the evil, in the former case, might be greater ; 
it must be allowed, that it so rarely happens, that the evil in 
the latter case is, in fact, far greater ; and were it thought 
expedient to legislate upon the subject, a Canon forbidding 
presbyters to leave their parishes would seem far the most 
necessary. Very few instances, in modern times especially, 
if even one, can be found, in which the Church has actually 
suffered by a Bishop's voluntarily resigning his jurisdiction. 
The sacredness of the office cannot with more reason be 



REASONS FOR EPISCOPAL RESIGNATIONS. 375 

urged in the -one case, than in the other ; — indeed, it cannot 
be reasonably urged in either case ; because the office is 
not resigned. 

" If it be said that a Bishop is ordained with a view to his 
having a particular jurisdiction ; the same is true of a pres- 
byter. We do not ordain one, except he has a title ; some 
particular cure, or ministry for which he is appointed. A 
Bishop has peculiar duties, and a more extensive jurisdic- 
tion : but the Elder is a Bishop or Overseer in his parish, 
and so styled in the Scriptures. And though the election 
to a particular Diocese is mentioned in the ordination ser- 
vice, yet the authority given is general ; it is, ' The office 
and work of a Bishop in the Church of God,' without re- 
striction or regard to any particular jurisdiction. According- 
ly, it is a common thing, in England, for a Bishop to resign 
his jurisdiction of one Diocese, and take charge of another : 
which shews clearly that, in the view of the Church, from 
which we emanated, there is nothing in the connection be- 
tween a Bishop and his Diocese too sacred to be dissolved. 
And we have already had an instance, in the largest Dio- 
cese of our country, of a Bishop's resigning his jurisdiction, 
and not being allowed to resume it, though it was what he 
afterwards attempted. His successor, during his life, acted 
and was recognized as principal Bishop, and as such had a 
seat in the General Convention. And while Bishop Pro- 
voost was still living, Bishop Hob art was an assistant, not 
to him but to Bishop Moore ; and with his pen he ably de- 
fended the right of a Bishop to resign his jurisdiction. And 
our General Convention, by admitting Bishops Moore and 
Hobart, for many years, under these circumstances, to take 
their seats and act as members of its body, has virtually re- 
cognized the resignation of Bishop Provoost. That body 
has the Conventional power, and perhaps the right, to make 
a law, forbidding in future such resignations : but, besides 
the unfitness of attempting to compel one to execute an 
office against his inclination, and possibly against the con- 
victions of his conscience, it is easy to conceive of several 



376 MEMOIR, &C 



cases, more than possible, in which a Bishop's resignation, 
or removal to another Diocese, would be of good effect. 

"I have, on former occasions, stated some of the reasons, 
why, in my judgment, Dioceses should be with us, as they 
were in the primitive ages, small. In such case, the Bishop 
can be the Rector of a parish, which for several reasons is 
desirable. To those, which I have formerly given, it may 
be added, that a Bishop, who has no parochial charge, will 
be more likely to neglect constant preaching, which, as we 
learn from the Scriptures and primitive practice, is his prin- 
cipal duty. Ordaining to the sacred ministry and adminis- 
tering confirmation can occupy but a small part of his time. 
He is sent, as St. Paul was, ' to preach the Gospel.' 
Bishops still, like the first Apostles, should ' give them- 
selves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.'" 

These extracts contain, " in a nut shell," the kernel of 
many long speeches at the ensuing General Convention. 
They shew the furniture of the Bishop's mind on this, as on 
other subjects ; and his power of presenting, in their naked 
and most sententious form, the truths and principles, on 
which other men acted, or which other men expanded into 
popular details. His Address, indeed, was not published at 
the time when the General Convention assembled ; and yet, 
it sets forth those grounds of affirmative judgment and ac- 
tion on this question, to which the debates of that body- 
added little, or nothing. 

Before leaving the year 1832, that acme in the troubles 
of the Eastern Diocese, whose history, it is not likely, will 
ever be fully written, save on the pages of memory, — it 
may be mentioned that the tribulation, which they brought 
upon the Bishop, was complicated with another in his long 
series of domestic afflictions. His daughter, Mrs. Tyng, 
eminent in Christian grace, as well as in native endowment, 
fell a victim to the family complaint, the 16th of May, just 
as he was entering upon the trials, which the summer and 
autumn of the year brought upon him. 

In passing now from the storm of '32 to the calm of '33, 



ORIGIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS CONVOCATION. 377 

there are but few things worthy of record. The vacancy 
in the Rectorship of Trinity Church, Boston, occasioned by 
the election of its Rector in 1832 to the Episcopate of New 
Jersey, was this year filled by the removal to Boston of the 
Rev. Dr. Wainwright from Grace Church, New York. His 
removal took place at the close of the year. In most other 
respects, the Diocese continued, as the agitations of the 
previous year had left it, quietly inactive. The only inci- 
dent, in the shape of new action, which distinguished this 
year, was, the organizing of "the Massachusetts Episcopal 
Convocation," just before Dr. Wainwright's settlement in 
Trinity Church. This was, in fact, a practical missionary 
society ; and, as it continued for several years in efficient 
action, and was a subject both of favorable and of un- 
favorable notice, it will be proper to give an account of its 
origin, progress and results. 

It has already been remarked that, after the events, which 
filled the summer and fall of 1832 with so much troubled 
action, the Massachusetts portion of the Diocese fell into a 
state of inactivity ; and especially, that " the Massachusetts 
Episcopal Missionary Society ;" an institution incorporated 
several years before, by the Legislature of the State, — 
passed into a condition of dormancy. The causes, which 
deprived it of the confidence of a large portion of the 
clergy and laity were identical with those, which produced 
the troubles of '32. 

In this state of inactivity on the subject of Missions, es- 
pecially of Domestic Missions, the Massachusetts Episcopal 
Convocation arose. It was simply the coming together, for 
counsel and for action, of those elements, which had been 
scattered by the recent convulsions. Missionary revenues 
were necessary to sustain the operations of the Massachusetts 
portion of the Diocese ; and missionary life was ready to pro- 
duce those revenues ; but that life needed new imbodying, 
and new instruments of operation. This imbodying and 
these instruments it sought with an instinct, that could not be 
repressed ; and as it was found impossible to concentrate 
confidence again upon the old Missionary Society, it only 



378 MEMOIR, &C. 

remained to inquire, in what new forms the inactive though 
living elements should be combined. In considering this 
question, it was natural that regard should be had to the 
known views of the Bishop on the subject, and to the action 
of other parts of the Diocese in conformity with those views. 
Attention was first directed to the State of Rhode Island, 
where the missionary life of our Church had, more than two 
years before, imbodied itself most efficiently in what was 
called " The Rhode Island Convocation." There, however, 
it was well known, that virtually the whole strength of the 
Church was united in the measure. Hence it became a 
serious question whether, in Massachusetts, with but a part 
of the strength of the Church, it would be expedient to at- 
tempt the same thing. On this question, the Bishop's advice 
was asked and followed ; and, in July 1833, " the Massa- 
chusetts Episcopal Convocation" was organized. But, be- 
fore proceeding to give a more particular account of this 
body, it is proper to look back upon some things, which may 
be considered its antecedents. 

So early as 1828, we have seen that an effort was made 
by the Rev. Mr. Potter and others of the clergy, acting 
under the Bishop's advice, to imbody our clergy in the State 
into an association for the better promotion of the growth of 
the Church. The letter of Mr. Potter to the Bishop on the 
subject was given, when speaking of the incidents of that 
year, pp. 339-40, of this work. It contained a reference to 
the Rev. Mr. Edson, of Lowell, as having suggested the 
movement, and as having probably written to the Bishop on 
the subject about the same time. Mr. Edson's letter to the 
Bishop I have not found ; but the Bishop's reply to it is now 
before me. As it is brief, I give it: 

" Bristol, September 3d, 1828. 

" Rev. and dear Sir,' — Your favor of August 29th is with 
much pleasure received. I have also just received a letter 
from brother Potter on the same subject; a subject, I scarce 
need say, to me very agreeable. Something of the nature of 
what you propose, I have long wished to see carried into 



ORIGIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS CONVOCATION. 379 

effect ; being fully convinced that, with the divine blessing, 
which we may humbly expect, it would be of great benefit 
to our clergy, and their Churches, and to the general cause 
of religion. I speak both of the meetings, or associations 
among the clergy, and of Convocations ; the utility of the 
latter, I learned before I left Connecticut. But, sometime 
before your letter was received, I had made arrangements 
for my journey to the Convention, and for the two or three 
weeks following ; and have notified the Churches, which I 
am to visit. Of course there can be no Convocation at the 
time and place, which you suggest. But you maybe assured 
of my most cordial co-operation in whatever our brethren, 
after consultation, shall approve. I have much to say on 
the subject, but will defer it till the meeting of our Conven- 
tion, when I hope, through the Divine blessing, we may 
have opportunity to consult on this and other important mat- 
ters. For this purpose, I wish the clergy would meet at 
Mr. Chase's, the evening before the Convention. So far as 
you may have opportunity, please to notify them of this re- 
quest. The present seems to be a time, when we are 
specially and providentially called on to make unusual exer- 
tions to promote the prosperity of our Church ; and may the 
Lord give us grace rightly to use it. 

Your very affectionate friend, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 
The Rev. Theodore Edson. 

From the efforts, which were then made, nothing perma- 
nent was the immediate result. Still the Bishop strove to 
keep alive the feeling, which thus sought expression. In 
his Annual Address for the next year, 1829, he thus referred 
to the subject : 

" Permit me to repeat, what a few years since I recom- 
mended, that our clerical brethren, so far and often as shall 
be reasonably within their power and means, be in the con- 
stant habit of meeting together for conversation, counsel, and 
social prayer. I know not of any means, within our power, 
more likely to increase our wisdom, enlarge our hearts, 



380 MEMOIR, &C. 

awaken our zeal, and bring down the blessing of God upon 
our labors," 

Thus encouraged by the Bishop's public as well as private 
advice, the clergy in Rhode Island began to prepare for 
action ; and, towards the close of the year 1830, organized 
that most useful and efficient body, " the Rhode Island Con- 
vocation." The name, " Convocation," was given it, not 
because it was convoked by the Bishop's authority, but be- 
cause the name was considered as sufficiently appropriate, 
and was already known in the language of our Church. 
The body was, in fact, a voluntary clerical Association for 
missionary purposes, and for the social religious improve- 
ment of both clergy and people in the Church. Upon being 
informed of the organization, the Bishop thus expressed his 
satisfaction, in a letter to the Rev. Mr. Bristed, written from 
Salem, whither he was now removed : 

" Salem, Dec. 20th, 1830. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — Yours of the 13th was two or three 
days since received. It does, as you suppose, give me 
pleasure that your clerical Association has, with favorable 
prospects, commenced. It has long been my opinion that 
such associations, when conducted with unanimity, prudence, 
and true religious zeal, are highly useful. The expense of 
time and money, necessary to continue them with vigor and 
make them useful, is probably the reason, that they are not 
more frequent. But, to those, who are willing to spend and 
be spent in the Gospel ministry, this consideration, though to 

many of us serious, gives way to higher motives. * 

****** 

Your very affectionate friend, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. John Bristed. 

While the clergy in Rhode Island were thus carrying out 
the views of their Bishop, those in Massachusetts were, from 
time to time, making such experiments as their different cir- 
cumstances admitted. In October, 1831, several of them, in 



ORIGIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS CONVOCATION. 381 

company with the Bishop, met for several days in the parishes 
at Clappville, and Wilkinsonville, in the towns of Leicester 
and Sutton ; though without effecting any permanent Associa- 
tion. In December, of the same year, the Bishop invited a 
number of them to meet him in Salem ; considering them as 
u feeling the vast importance, at that very interesting period, 
of making extra exertions to promote the sacred cause, in 
which they were engaged." But neither from this was there 
any abiding result. Four months later, April 1832, another 
attempt was made at Lowell, in the parish of the Rev. Mr. 
Edson. Mr. E., on this occasion, wrote for the Bishop's 
advice ; and received the following reply : 

"Salem, March 15th, 1832. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — Yours of the 12th inst. is with 
much pleasure received. I have been now, for almost two 
weeks, confined with sickness. Should the Lord permit me 
again to be out and active, it will give me pleasure to be 
with you at the time proposed in April. * * * 

* Respecting whom and how many you will invite, 
there may be some difficulty, especially in my advising, lest 
I should have the appearance of shewing a partiality, which 
I would not allow myself to feel. I have publicly declared 
my approbation of such meetings of the clergy. I have also 
given it as my opinion, that but few should meet at one time 
and place ; and it will always give me pleasure to meet 
with any of my brethren, at my own house, and elsewhere. 
As from three to six at most would be enough to invite on 
any one occasion, it will be well to have some rule, or reason, 
for making a selection. As, a few years since, some of you 
formed an association of that sort, this of itself is reason suffi- 
cient for inviting any or all of them ; being at some pains to 
have it understood, by those, who express any interest in 
knowing, what are to be the objects, and what the expected 
exercises, of the meetings, and that none are excluded from 
the general invitation to unite in the same thing. 

"My wish and advice are, that it should be left to the free 
judgment and voluntary choice of each individual to asso- 



382 MEMOIR, &C. 

ciate or not, without any censure, or displeasure in either case. 
Following the Apostle's most excellent rule of charity: c Let 
not him, who associates, despise him who associates not : 
and let not him, who associates not, judge him who asso- 
ciates.' If you know of any, who have declared their disap- 
probation of such meetings, particularly to invite such might 
offend them. In making up a convenient number, after 
notifying those, who have already engaged themselves, you 
can either invite those, whom you have most reason to be- 
lieve will be pleased with the thing, and enter most cor- 
dially into its object ; or else invite those, who are nearest to 
you, letting them know the friendly and liberal principles, on 

which the business is to be conducted. * * * * 
* * # 

Your very sincere friend, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rev. Theodore Edson. 

This letter makes it evident that, before the breaking out 
of the troubles of 1832, measures had been matured in 
Massachusetts for forming a clerical Association, kindred in 
character and objects with the subsequently formed Convo- 
cation. It also makes manifest, what was well understood 
at the time, the reason why the reiterated effort to act on 
the Bishop's advice was so repeatedly without result in 
Massachusetts, while the first Rhode Island movement in 
that direction had been so promptly successful. The clergy 
in the latter state were united, almost to a man, in favor of 
the measure. Those in the former were divided ; and a large 
number were opposed to the movement. The attempt to 
unite these two portions of the clergy of Massachusetts, in 
the proposed association, was uniformly abortive. Mutual 
confidence was wanting. Probably, they mutually misunder- 
stood each other. They came not together with a prepara- 
tion to understand each others' views and feelings ; and so 
the movement uniformly wanted the only bond, that could 
keep the movers together. Of course, after the incidents, of 
which I have given a sketch in 1832, disunion among them 



ORIGIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS CONVOCATION. 383 

became more than ever palpable ; and, in despair of acting 
together, at least for the time, they mutually, though tacitly, 
consented to do nothing beyond the ordinary routine of 
parish duty. The Bishop, indeed, still hoped not only for 
action, but even for union in activity ; as the following ex- 
tracts from his correspondence shew. But the event sadly 
disappointed his hope. Though he would much sooner have 
a part of the body in action, than see the whole lie motionless, 
yet it was the fondest, most cherished wish of his heart to 
see that whole gradually coming again into harmonious co- 
labor for the common good. Writing to a clerical member 
of the Massachusetts Standing Committee, on occasion of 
some ordinary business, he thus seized the opportunity of 
dropping 6 a word in season' on this, to himself, all-engross- 
ing topic. He wrote under date of Feb. 14, 1833. 

" What I hear from Rhode Island is encouraging. For 
many years I have, in public and in private conversation, 
advised our clergy to meet often together for social prayer 
and mutual counsel ; and, by preaching c out of season,' to 
endeavor to awaken among their people a more lively sense 
of religion. In Rhode Island, they have, for two or three 
years, been making the experiment ; and, so far as I can yet 
judge, the success has equalled my expectations. As old 
prejudices subside, and the people in these Eastern States 
become better informed, they are more and more convinced 
that we stand on the true primitive foundation ; and when 
they shall see that we have as much sincere piety and evan- 
gelical zeal as any other Christians, thousands will be ready 
to unite with us. It is, fast of all, necessary that we of the 
clergy should unite in l doing the work of Evangelists.' " 

To another of his Massachusetts clergy, he wrote thus, a 
month afterwards, March 16, 1833. 

" The subjects, on which you write, are interesting and 
important. Such a meeting as you suggest, I have for some 
time been thinking of; and it is a favorable circumstance 
that Mr. N. takes an interest in it. Its appearing to be a 
motion of his, will increase the probability of success. I shall 
wish that all our clergy, who will be likely to attend, may 



384 MEMOIR, &C. 

be invited. If union could be effected, and zeal awakened 
among us, it would be a happy meeting indeed. In all hu- 
man appearance, by united exertions of our clergy, our Church 
would rapidly increase. At present, as you observe, there 
is but little life among us." 

The attempt here noticed to unite the clergy of Massachu- 
setts in what may be termed the Bishop's favorite measure 
for the increase of active piety and zeal throughout his Dio- 
cese, though made under what he thought favorable auspices, 
was yet like all similar preceding attempts, a failure. 
Nothing, therefore, seemed to remain to this portion of the 
Diocese, but either the indefinitely protracted inaction of the 
whole body of the clergy, especially in the all-important 
work of Domestic Missions, or the action of a part in some 
way, which would concentrate the confidence and enlist the 
sympathy of those, who might most easily be brought to- 
gether for the purpose of united effort. Hence, after a year's 
continuance under the dead calm, which succeeded the storm 
of 1832, several of the clergy, who had been most desirous 
of associated action during Mr. Potter's Rectorship in St. 
Paul's, assembled in Boston, in the month of July, for con- 
sultation ; anxious to ascertain, and determined to do, what 
might be done towards reviving the dormant activities of 
our Massachusetts portion of the Diocese. They found 
several of the younger clergy of the State ready to co-operate 
with them; and before they separated, the plan of "the 
Massachusetts Episcopal Convocation" was adopted ; mo- 
delled closely after that in Rhode Island ; asking the co- 
operation of all, but acting through those only, who were 
prepared to co-operate cordially. The question, whether 
it was expedient thus to proceed, was distinctly submitted 
to the Bishop ; and, in accordance with his opinions and ad- 
vice, the new Convocation prepared to move forward on its 
way. 

Both to the Bishop and to those, who thus put themselves 
in motion, it was, from the outset, evident, that the ground, 
which they occupied, the position, which they assumed, was 
full of difficulty. They saw, that to associate, in a way, of 



NOTICE OF MASSACHUSETTS CONVOCATION. 385 

which a portion of their brethren disapproved, might, and 
probably would, subject them to the charge of being in- 
fluenced by party spirit ; and it is unquestionable that, in 
view of such a danger, they never would have taken any 
step with less than a general concurrence of sentiment among 
the clergy, had it not been for the sad results of the Conven- 
tion of 1832, and the utter impossibility, after that period, 
of bringing the disunited forces of the Church to act in con- 
cert. The Bishop said and did all that he could to re-pro- 
duce harmony of counsel and action : but, when he found 
all unavailing, he yielded to necessity, and advised those, 
who could act together, to go forward ; prudently, kindly, 
openly; and yet without hesitation and with "a mind to 
work ;" blaming none, who declined to work with them ; 
doing nothing that could be justly charged with a design to 
promote mere party ends ; and hoping, in this way, to do 
much good, with little or no evil. In this spirit, the Con- 
vocation set forwards ; and it is, now, no more than a part 
of its history to say, that in its progress, it realized many of 
its best hopes, and some of its worst fears. 

In his Address to his Convention, the following Septem- 
ber, the Bishop gave a specimen of his manner of commend- 
ing, what he knew a portion of his clergy disliked. He 
made no special allusion to the newly formed Convocation, 
which was confined in its action to the Eastern part of the 
State ; but took special notice of a clerical association, which 
had been formed in the Western part, of a somewhat different 
character, and by some who were opposed to the Con- 
vocation. This association he commended ; and, from 
doing so, passed into a series of remarks, which were really 
designed to plead the cause of the Convocation ; while at 
the same time, he presented some of those wise and holy 
cautions and principles, which were evidently indispensable 
to preserve peace and to insure good, in a state of affairs so 
uncongenial with his gentle and impartial spirit. His re- 
marks, although somewhat extended, are yet important; and, 
as they really belong to the his.ory of the Convocation, they 
are here inserted. 

KK 



386 MEMOIR, &C. 

" Our clergy in Berkshire," he observes, " have formed 
themselves into an association for mutual counsel and im- 
provement, for enlivening their zeal, for the distribution of 
Bibles and Prayer-books, and for other religious purposes. 
Clerical associations are likewise in operation in other parts 
of the Diocese. 

" In years past I have more than once recommended to 
our clergy something of this sort, as among the means most 
likely to promote f brotherly love,' to awaken, a more lively 
zeal for the prosperity of the Church, and, by their preach- 
ing and exhortations, to excite among their people a deeper 
interest in religion and greater exertions to promote it. 
Other Bishops of our Church have recommended the same. 
The effects of such efforts, in various parts of our country, 
have thus far confirmed my opinion of their utility, especially 
in the increase of contributions for missionary purposes, for 
the aid of small Churches and the building up of new ones. 
Every thing human is imperfect ; and any institution, human 
or divine, is liable to abuse. New things in religion should 
be cautiously introduced. The principles and institutions of 
Christianity ever have been, and ever will be, the same, 
from the Apostles' days c to the end of the world.' But in 
ecclesiastical regulations and discipline, and in the discre- 
tionary exercise of the Christian ministry, regard must be had 
to the times and seasons of this changing world, and to the 
existing state of society and civilization. In regard to this, 
we may turn £ to the right hand,' as well as ' to the left;' be 
too tenacious of old habits, or too much inclined to change. 
In many cases, if a minister of Christ see but little fruit of 
his labors, he will do wisely to vary, or to increase them. If 
his preaching and exhortation l in season' will not induce 
the people to % endure sound doctrine,' let him do it ' out of 
season.' The same God, who has ordained, that the fruits 
of the earth shall be obtained by cultivating the soil, has also 
appointed, that the teaching and prayers, and other prudent 
and zealous efforts of his people, of his ministers especially, 
shall be the means of producing repentance and faith, and 
holiness of life : and as in the one case, so in the other, the 



THE BISHOP ON CLERICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 387 

fruit will generally be in proportion to the labor rightly be- 
stowed. At our ordination, it is most solemnly enjoined, 
and the oath of God is upon us, c never to cease our labor, 
our care and diligence, until we have done all, that lieth in 
us, according to our bounden duty, to bring all such as are, 
or shall be committed to our charge, unto that agreement in 
the faith and the knowledge of God, and to that ripeness and 
perfectness of age in Christ, that there be no place among 
us either for error in religion or for viciousness of life.' 
Though there may be, among us, some difference of opinion 
respecting the expediency of what are called clerical associa- 
tions, this would be no good reason, why they, who believe 
them to be useful, and they especially, who have found them 
to be so, should not so associate. In this, as in many other 
things, we should follow the Scriptural rule of charity ; c Let 
not him, who eateth, despise him, that eateth not : and let 
not him, who eateth not, judge him, that eateth. Let 
every one be persuaded in his own mind,' and do what he 
believes will best promote the glory of God and the salva- 
tion of men, without judging or censuring those, who, from 
like honest conviction, conduct differently. Where there is 
not this spirit of forbearance, there will be no peace. That 
spirit, which sets us to stretch, or to cut all to our own length, 
is the spirit of persecution, and the enemy of Christ. That 
they, who are equally and strongly attached to our Church, 
should in some things differ respecting what will best pro- 
mote its prosperity, and the salvation of men, is what must 
be expected, and should give no offence. And permit me 
to repeat what, some years since, I once observed, that, to 
make for ourselves, or for our party, exclusive claims to 
Churchmanship, is quite as arrogant, uncharitable and wicked, 
as to say of religious professors, that they are not Christians ; 
or of ministers of Christ, that they do not preach the Gospel. 
We cannot be too cautious how we thus judge our brethren: 
c to their own master let them stand or fall.' " 

Set forth upon the surrounding waters under favor of such 
a breeze of charity, the new Convocation pursued its way, 
hoping for a calm career of usefulness, but prepared for any 



388 MEMOIR, &C. 

roughening of the weather, which might arise. It was, as I 
have said, in effect, a voluntary Missionary Society. No one 
was compelled to join it ; yet all were at liberty to join, who 
approved its objects and its measures. It had its written 
constitution and by-laws, with its annual elections of Presi- 
dent, Secretary and Treasurer. Its objects were, the reviv- 
ing of decayed and feeble parishes, and the building up of 
new ones ; the cultivation of religious affections, especially 
of brotherly love, among the clergy ; and the increase of true 
religion and of Christian benevolence, among the people of 
their respective parishes. And its measures were, social 
prayer and religious conversation, at the time of its meetings 
for business ; preaching and exhortation to the people of the 
parishes, in which its meetings were held ; and the raising of 
missionary funds for the support of its missionaries, both in 
old parishes and in new. Its members were clergy of various 
shades of opinion on mere Church questions, though harmo- 
nious in their advocacy of the objects and measures of the 
Convocation ; and its missionaries were selected, not be- 
cause they were either high, or low, in their Church views, 
but because they were faithful and useful preachers of the 
Gospel, as well as truly attached to the Church, in which 
they ministered. Its meetings were, for the most part, month- 
ly ; and its labors, from parish to parish, truly abundant in 
amount and fruitful in results. Under its patronage sprang 
up, during the few years of its operation, the six new and 
important parishes of our Church in New Bedford, Roxbury, 
Fall- River, Andover, Springfield and Lynn ; with attempts, 
which, for the time, indeed, were unsuccessful, in Wor- 
cester, Webster and Ipswich ; besides the aid, which it ex- 
tended in reviving and sustaining two or three of the feeble 
parishes, already in existence. It was, also, under its coun- 
tenance and pecuniary support, that the present religious 
paper of that State, " The Christian Witness and Church 
Advocate," was started on the principles of the Convoca- 
tion itself, excluding controversy, and devoting itself to the 
maintenance, on their own broad base, of the Gospel and the 
Church ; principles, which, it is but just to say, were most 



NOTICE OF MASSACHUSETTS CONVOCATION. 389 

strictly observed, while the Convocation was in existence, 
and even for several years afterwards ; and which have, in 
some measure, continued to govern it even to the present 
day at the opening of its tenth year. 

While the Convocation was thus in action, the old Massa- 
chusetts Episcopal Missionary Society continued to languish, 
notwithstanding repeated attempts to remodel and revive it ; 
till finally, at the close of the year 1836, the new Massachu- 
setts Episcopal " Board of Missions" having arisen as the 
accredited agent of the Convention itself, that' Society sur- 
rendered its charter into the hands of the Legislature of the 
State, transferred its little effects and debts to the Board of 
Missions, and expired. Meantime, the Convocation, having 
effected much of the objects, for which it was organized ; 
having restored activity even beyond itself to the almost 
paralyzed body of the Church in Massachusetts, and having 
added greatly to the strength of that Church, both in the num- 
ber of its flourishing parishes and in the power of its religious 
life, as well as in the salvation of many souls, the fruits of 
its ministrations, — prepared to close its missionary labors, and 
to merge that part of its system in the more general organiza- 
tion of the Board of Missions for the State. This measure 
was, indeed, strongly opposed by several of its members, on 
the ground that it was, in itself, the best of domestic mission- 
ary organizations, as well as the best of discretionary means 
for promoting the growth of pure religion in the Church. 
Still, the desire of giving unity to the missionary operations 
of the Church throughout the State prevailed with the 
majority; and the Convocation therefore voluntarily trans- 
ferred to the new Board both its missions and its missionaries, 
soon after the surrender of its charter by the old Missionary 
Society. Nevertheless, the spirit of the Convocation lived 
on. It was not a thing to die but with those, who had 
cherished it. For several years afterwards, it continued to 
meet under its original name ; and even since that was 
dropped, its form has partially survived in the several 
smaller clerical associations, which have sprung up on its 
former field of labor. Its missionary work passed into the 



390 MEMOIR, &C. 

hands of the Board in connexion with the Convention ; but 
its meetings for social prayer and conversation among the 
clergy, and for preaching and exhortation to the people, are, 
with some modifications, perpetuated in the associations, 
which have been named, and which continue their meetings 
and their labors to the present day. 

I have said that, in its progress, the Convocation realized 
some of its worst fears, as well as many of its best hopes. It 
met with opposition from the moment of its first public ac- 
tion, and continued to meet it till the day of its last delibera- 
tive motion. As it might have been expected, however, 
this opposition was most violent in its earliest stages. No 
sooner was the organization known than its members were 
charged with entertaining party designs ; and this charge 
was reiterated, though with less and less confidence, as they 
passed quietly on towards the close of their labors. 

On this subject the present writer feels qualified to speak ; 
and he speaks but what he knows, when he says, that the 
charge thus urged was without any reasonable ground. If, 
indeed, by party designs in the Convocation, be meant a 
tendency to make its members of one mind in faith and affec- 
tion ; or to unite them in the pursuit of one object, the salva- 
tion of souls and the growth of the Church ; or to prepare 
them for acting in peace, and possibly, though not certainly, 
in sympathy, whenever any of the great interests of the 
Church should demand their action; the charge may be said 
to have been just. In this sense, the Church itself, so far as 
it is filled with the true Gospel, and administered in a right 
spirit, may be called a party. It has a tendency to maintain 
and increase the party, of which Christ is the head, in dis- 
tinction from that, which is governed by " the god of this 
world." But, if, by party designs in the Convocation, be 
meant, plans and measures, conceived of forethought and 
carried out with after-thought, for the promotion of individu- 
als in the Church, or for the advancement of any interests, 
separate or diverse from the general welfare of the Church ; 
no charge was ever more unfounded. Of all such designs, 
directly or indirectly entertained, the Convocation, from its 



NOTICE OF MASSACHUSETTS CONVOCATION. 391 

first thought and its first step, to its last breath and its last 
act, stood wholly guiltless. Never, it is believed, did any 
body of Christian ministers labor with a more single aim for 
one object, the growth of religion in their own hearts and in 
the hearts of their people. Never was any such body less 
justly chargeable with a design of promoting any mere party 
interests in the Church. At its meetings was often heard 
rising the prayer, which drew all hearts into one before a 
Father's throne. Silent tears often fell there at the thought 
of a Saviour's love for sinful men. The hand was often 
opened there to give of the little, which it held, to the holy 
work of missions. Plans were often devised there, and 
labors projected, for planting the Church on some hitherto 
neglected spot, or for rebuilding it in some of its waste 
places. Congregations were often gathered there, from amid 
the toils of the week, to listen solemnly to the word of life, 
as it sounded forth in the tones of love, and as it called to 
the work of repentance and faith, and to the labors of charity 
and zeal. And ministers of Christ often separated thence, 
blessing God that He had awakened them to new sympathy 
in His cause, and to new evidence of their sonship with 
Christ ; or that He had given them fresh experience of the 
blessedness of brotherly love, and fresh proofs of the luxury 
of at least striving to do good. All these things, and many 
others like them, were heard and seen at the meetings of the 
Convocation ; but never once the whisper of party intrigue 
and cabal ; the plot and the counterplot, the mining and the 
counter-mining of an ecclesiastical campaign ; the canvass- 
ing of claims in party leaders, and the discussion of questions 
in party strife. All these things, and whatever else was like 
them, would have sounded and seemed but as the gibberish 
and the glidings of an unbidden ghost, to every member of 
the Convocation ; and the breath of prayer would instantly 
have laid the apparition beyond all power of rising again. 
Sweet is the memory of those days, on which ministers of 
Christ used to meet together upon that field of labor, some- 
times with their Bishop in the midst of them, and always 
with an assurance that his prayers were rising in their behalf; 



392 MEMOIR, &C. 

days full of the blessedness of brotherly love, and familiar 
with the peaceful and elevating power of a consciousness, 
that they were praying, and laboring, and sacrificing for that 
one object, which brought their Saviour down to earth, the 
salvation of sinful men. 

The fruits of the Convocation are ripening yet ; and, it 
may be hoped, will multiply with their ripening, till the 
great harvest day shall gather them all. Nor is this said 
with a wish to depreciate the valuable labors of its prede- 
cessor, the Massachusetts Episcopal Missionary Society. 
This body, till the occurrence of those events in 1831 — 2, 
of which I have given a sketch, and which led to its ex- 
tinction, was both active and useful ; many of its meetings 
were pervaded with a beautiful and blessed spirit ; and the 
good, which it did, will remain to testify that it neither 
lived nor labored in vain. But, the close of its day was 
stormy ; and the storm, in which it passed away, moved 
over the whole course of the Convocation itself. The rising 
of the Board of Missions was hailed, by many, as a bow of 
promise, foretokening the approach of a calm; and many a 
prayer has doubtless gone up, to the end, that, gathering to 
itself all the brightness and heavenliness of its predecessors, 
while it leaves below whatever in them was dark and 
earthly, it may long stand, both to collect and to radiate the 
life and the charities of our Massachusetts Church. 

In leaving, now, this sketch of the Massachusetts Con- 
vocation and its times, I must go back for the purpose of 
gathering up the few unconnected incidents which lie along 
the way, already passed over. So far as they relate to the 
Bishop, however, they will be but few. He was almost in- 
cessantly engaged in travelling and laboring through his 
now growing Diocese. His Annual Address for 1834 
shews an uncommon amount of duty thus performed. The 
separation of Vermont had narrowed somewhat the circuit 
of his travels ; but it did not diminish the number of his 
journeys, or the amount of his labors. On the contrary, the 
growth of the Church in the other parts of his Diocese 



ORATORIOS IN THE CHURCH. 393 

quickly compensated for the portion, which had been cut 
off; and the calls for his services were kept steadily on the 
increase. Such, indeed, continued to be the case even to 
the close of his life. His last days were crowded full, if 
not fullest, of these abounding toils. 

In the year 1834, I find a little item of correspondence, 
on a subject not without interest in itself, and made specially 
interesting in its connexion by the opinion on it, which 
was elicited from the Bishop. A highly respected Layman, 
in one of the distant parishes of his Diocese, was induced 
by circumstances to address to the Bishop, and some others 
of the Clergy, the following queries ; dated, 

« January 21, 1834. 

" Will you obligingly favor me with your opinion on the 
following points ? 

" 1 Are Oratorios of Sacred Music a proper entertain- 
ment for Christian people ? 

" 2. Would you allow the performance of them in 
your Church for the ostensible object of raising money for 
the poor ; admittance of course to be purchased only with 
money ? 

" 3. Do you think that the use of holy Scripture in such 
Music, not for the avowed purpose of worship, is an irreve- 
rent use of it, though the persons using it may be of a good 
moral character ? 

" 4. Admitting that you answer the first two in the 
affirmative, should you consider it wise to allow such per- 
formances in an Episcopal Church, recently established in a 
neighborhood, where it is only beginning to be popular ; 
that neighborhood being composed, in a great degree, of 
serious, or professing Christians of other denominations ? 

I am, &c. E. A. N." 

To these inquiries, the Bishop returned the following 
replies : 

"Salem, January 28th, 1834. 

" Dear Sir, — Your esteemed favor of the 21st is received; 



394 MEMOIR, &C. 

and I proceed to answer, according to the wisdom given me, 
the important questions, which you propose. 

" In answer to the first, whether oratorios are a proper 
amusement for Christian people ; though being pleased or 
entertained by music is not, that I know, unsuitable to the 
Christian character, when but moderately indulged, yet, I 
have ever thought that using the Sacred Words and momen- 
tous truths of the Scriptures for mere entertainment is very 
improper. If Christians are present at such entertainments, 
they should continually reverence the solemn truths uttered, 
however others may disregard them. 

" The second question, whether I would allow of such in 
my Church, to raise money for a charitable purpose ; is not 
so easily decided. c All things, which are lawful, are not 
expedient ;' but under what circumstances things unlawful* 
may be expedient, is one of the most difficult questions in 
practical religion. St. Paul, in c becoming all things to all 
men' went, in some few instances, farther than I should 
dare to go ; though undoubtedly he did right. I should 
certainly regret to have such an exhibition in my Church ; 
but still, I can easily conceive of circumstances being such 
as to render it, in its probable consequences, the less of two 
evils. Such cases excepted, I should not willingly consent 
to have them in my Church. 

" The third question, I have virtually answered under 
the first. I think with the Rev. John Newton respecting it. 
I have often wished that, even in singing schools, which are 
supposed to be a preparation for worshipping God, such use 
of solemn Scriptural language could be dispensed with. 
It involves, however, much the same questions, as reading 
the Scriptures in common schools ; respecting which Chris- 
tians think differently. Worldly people will do what they 
please ; religion cannot control them. Christians, in my 
judgment, should never use God's Word, or his house, but 
with suitable reverence and devotion. 

" The fourth question, I have answered under the second. 

* He apparently means, things about which there is no law. 



ORATORIOS IN THE CHURCH. 395 

I do not consider it wise to allow of that, or of any use of 
a Church, which has no respect to God's holy worship ; ex- 
cept in cases, wherein a refusal will be likely to produce 
greater evils to the Church and to religion. Many such 
cases I have known ; and you can easily imagine them. In 
things of this sort, the greater danger, no doubt, is of being 
too lax : but, in things not absolutely essential, we may be 
too rigid : and, in deciding the right course, we need to 

' be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.' * 

■* * * * * * # 

Your very affectionate friend, 

Alex. V. Griswold." 

In the queries here answered, there are really but two 
main points. The one touches the use of Scriptural lan- 
guage in Oratorios got up for amusement ; the other touches 
the use of our Churches for such Oratorios. Whether the 
Bishop has answered this latter to the satisfaction of all, all 
concerned must be left to judge. He appears to stand on 
the middle ground between those, who think, that the con- 
secration of a Church edifice has no effect, in rendering a 
secular use of it improper ; and those, who think, that such 
a consecration almost imparts a moral holiness to its mate- 
rials. But whatever may be thought of his position in this 
particular, few serious Christians, I apprehend, will deny 
the justness of his remarks in reply to the former of the 
two points involved in the queries. The thoughtless use of 
Scriptural language in our fashionable Oratorios by those, 
who would shrink, with something like loathing, from the 
worship, which that language really implies, is an evidently 
gross impropriety. But, as the Bishop observes ; ( - Worldly 
people will do what they please : religion cannot control 
them." In their entertainments, they mean to celebrate, 
not Messiah, but the Master, who has set him to music ; 
and we must even give them the bold liberty, which they 
demand. 

" Man praises man. Desert in arts or arms 



396 MEMOIR, &C. 

Wins public honor ; and ten thousand sit 
Patiently present at a sacred song 1 , 
Commemoration-mad; content to hear 
(O wonderful effect of music's power !) 
Messiah's eulogy for Handel's sake." 

During the year 1835, the Bishop was induced, by the 
growing pressure of circumstances, to relinquish the charge 
of a parish, and devote himself wholly to the care of his 
Diocese. After having been, therefore, for forty years, a 
laborious parish minister, twenty-four of which were spent 
in the double duties of parish and Diocese, he resigned his 
Rectorship of St. Peter's Church, Salem, and removed to 
the city of Boston, where he spent the remainder of his 
days ; provision having been made, by the Diocese and by 
individuals, to supply the lack of a parochial salary. The 
circumstances, which rendered this step expedient were, the 
great increase of his Diocesan duties, and the gentle admoni- 
tions, which came from advancing years ; standing, as he 
then was, on the verge of three score and ten. 

This removal was the occasion of a very painful private 
correspondence with one of the leading members of Trinity- 
Church, Boston ; in which he was called to vindicate his 
course in the troubles of 1825 between Dr. Jarvis and St. 
Paul's, and in those of the memorable 1832 ; as well as in 
several other passages of his Episcopal life. This corres- 
pondence was one of intense interest. But, as~I have al- 
ready remarked, it is too early in the day to give the private 
history of those trying periods. Too many of the actors 
survive, and too many materials yet remain to be kindled 
into a blaze by the dropping of any spark of indiscretion, 
to render the doing even of full justice to the Bishop a 
safe and salutary measure. It is enough to say that, in this 
particular correspondence, he enters with his usual meek- 
ness, though with even more than his usual point, into the 
duty of self-defence ; shewing the groundlessness of nume- 
rous and gross misrepresentations of his conduct, and prov- 
ing that, throughout the troubles, which had beset him, he had 
done nothing but what had been required by the Canons of 



ANNUAL ADDRESS FOR 1835. 397 

the Church, and the duties of his office ; and that, even in 
this, he had done as little, and done that little as kindly, as 
a faithful conscience and a meek spirit could either allow, or 
prompt. 

His Annual Address for this year, besides shewing the 
usual amount of Episcopal duties performed, brings forward 
once more the subject of a Diocesan Theological Seminary, 
and urges it upon the consideration of his clergy and people. 
It also dwells at large on the expediency and probability of 
a dissolution of the Eastern Diocese, and the election of a 
Bishop for each of the four States, of which it was com- 
posed. 

The General Convention of this year had just closed its 
important session at Philadelphia, after having remodelled 
our General Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. 
That Convention had been characterized by an unusual ap- 
pearance of union, brotherly love, and evangelical zeal ; 
insomuch, that many looked upon it as the dawning of a 
new era in our Church ; an era, from which was to date the 
universal reign of harmony, and of sound evangelical and 
Episcopal views, over the length and breadth of our commu- 
nion. In this feeling, our Bishop was disposed largely to 
sympathize. Hence his touching allusion to the subject, 
when speaking of the General Convention in this Annual 
Address. 

" Piety, and of course, love and a zeal for the spirituality 
of religion, are evidently increasing among our people. 
That system of evangelical truth, and of the doctrines of 
eternal life, which has long appeared to me the most essen- 
tial to the Gospel of our blessed Saviour, is now received 
in our Churches more generally than, twenty years ago, I had 
any hope of living to see ; and the sight of it inclines me 
to say with Simeon in the Gospel ; ' Lord, now lettest thou 
thy servant depart in peace.' " 

Alas ! had he been gifted with a prophet's vision ; could 
he, from that high point of observation, have looked for- 
ward and seen the tide of error, which was, even then, be- 
ginning to set westward across the Atlantic ; could he have 

LL 



398 MEMOIR, &C. 

foreseen, what his own eyes, before he finally slept with his 
fathers, beheld of the approach of this tide and of its setting 
up into the channels of our Church ; — he might indeed have 
sighed to " depart," but his hope of departing " in peace" 
would have given place to heavy forebodings of evil to 
come ! 

While the Bishop, in his Addresses to the Convention of 
the Diocese in 1835 and 1836, was reintroducing and re- 
commending anew and earnestly the subject of establishing 
an Episcopal Theological Seminary, the members of the 
Church in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were practically 
engaged in a renewed attempt to effect so desirable an ob- 
ject. In the former state, application was made to the legis- 
lature, by a Committee appointed on the subject, for an 
act of incorporation ; and in the latter, a resolution was 
adopted in Convention to raise $25,000 as an endowment 
for one of the professorships in the proposed institution. At 
the same time, the Rev. Mr. Vaughan, of St. Peter's 
Church, Salem, was appointed an agent, by the Massachu- 
setts Committee, for the collection of other funds through the 
Diocese in aid of the general objects of the Seminary. Ac- 
cordingly, when the Convention of the Church in Massa- 
chusetts met in the year 1836, the Bishop, as chairman of 
its Committee, presented a Report, which shewed that a 
deep and lively zeal was felt, and that some encouraging 
progress had been made, in the contemplated work. Be- 
sides the $25,000 pledged from Rhode Island, the agent 
had obtained conditional subscriptions to the general fund 
of upwards of $22,000 ; while the several towns of Lowell, 
Worcester, Newburyport, Taunton, Northampton and Pitts- 
field, besides places not named, vied with each other in 
the liberality of their offers of land, as a gift for the site of 
the Seminary buildings. Definite offers from the three first 
named towns were made, each of which was estimated at 
the value of $10,000. 

The Committee, in their reports, stated that an act of in- 
corporation for the institution had been passed by the 
Legislature of the State ; — but, as the bill afforded no 



THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL. 399 

security, that the funds raised should be applied, exclusively 
and perpetually, to education for the ministry of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church ; and was, moreover, made repeal- 
able, without cause or forfeiture, at the pleasure of the 
Legislature ; they recommended, that the bill be returned 
to the Secretary's office with their non-acceptance respect- 
fully annexed ; preferring an un-incorporated institution, to 
one incorporated on such a base. 

The Committee also reported that, although the sum of 
$200,000, as recommended in a resolution, passed at a 
highly respectable meeting on the subject in the city of 
Boston, was desirable as an ultimate endowment of the 
Seminary, yet it was expedient to open the institution for 
the reception of students, so soon as the sum of $100,000 
should be secured ; — and that it was desirable to endow 
three professorships, before expending any thing in the 
erection of buildings. 

Such, with a plan for the Seminary, being the principal 
points touched in the Report, the Convention in Massachu- 
setts, proceeded to appoint a Board of Trustees for the 
proposed institution, and to take measures for the increase 
of the funds to the amount required. And as the subscrip- 
tions, which had been obtained by the agent, Mr. Vaughan, 
were made on the condition that $50,000 be secured with- 
in a year from his appointment ; the Convention, estimating 
the amount already subscribed at $26,000, voted to assume, 
and make itself responsible for, the sum of $25,000 ; in the 
hope that, although this could not be considered as a legally 
binding subscription, yet those, who had already subscribed, 
would feel so much of confidence in the ability and fidelity 
of the Convention, as would render them willing to pay 
their own subscriptions, and thereby place the full endow- 
ment of the institution, at no distant day, beyond reason- 
able doubt. 

At the same time, the respective parishes in the state 
were called on to name the sum, which they would be 
willing to pay annually, for five years, towards raising the 



400 MEMOIR, &C. 

actual endowment to the required amount of $100,000 ; as 

the result of which it was found that the further sum of 

$28,750 was, in this informal way, pledged. 

Thus the prospects of an endowment stood, at the close 

of this Convention, as follows : 

Estimated amount subscribed to the agent, $26,000 
Amount assumed by the Convention, - 25,000 
Amount offered from Rhode Island, - 25,000 
Amount promised by the parishes of Massachu- 
setts, say, - 28,000 



Total, $104,000 

But, though these sums might with ease have been raised, 
had there been but one mind on the subject, and that mind 
as thoroughly energized and prepared for action as a large 
portion of the Church was found to be, yet the movement 
here came to a stand. The pledge of the Convention was 
not deemed sufficient by those, who had conditionally sub- 
scribed to the agent; their subscriptions, therefore, except 
in a few small sums, remained unpaid ; the subsequent 
meetings of the Board of Trustees were unproductive of 
results ; the Annual Convention in Massachusetts, for 1837, 
made a feeble attempt to revive interest in the subject ; and 
then the whole work was once more silently abandoned. 

It is true, that one reason, why this really spirited effort, 
(for such in truth was its original character) proved thus in- 
effectual, was found in the discovery, that the Rev. Dr. 
Potter, who had been looked to as a principal Professor in 
the proposed Seminary, could not be induced to return to 
Massachusetts, for the purpose of entering on the duties of 
the institution. Still, it is believed, that the failure had 
other and deeper reasons. The causes, which acted so 
powerfully in 1832, were yet in hidden, though effective 
operation. In their counteracting influence alone can be 
found a full explanation of the fact, that, notwithstanding 
the very deep interest in a Theological Seminary for the 
Eastern Diocese, which had been awakened in the minds 



SENIOR BISHOP. 401 

not only of a large portion of the clergy, but also of a cor- 
responding portion of the laity ; and notwithstanding the 
amount of promising effort for its endowment, which was 
actually made ; the whole work was thus brought to a si- 
lent but immovable stand, and what may be termed the 
favorite object of the Bishop left to slumber for the rest of 
his life. I say, to slumber ; for it is believed that, so far as 
endowed schools for theological learning shall be approved 
by the cool, second thought of the present and the coming 
age, the demand for such a school in the Eastern States 
still exists, and must ultimately enforce effectually its claims, 
and wake up effectually the plans and measures, which have 
fallen asleep. Whether such endowed schools will be ap- 
proved by that second thought, is a different question, — 
and one, which need not here be agitated. It will be 
enough to say, that the best theological Seminary, which the 
Eastern Diocese ever had, — perhaps the best, that any 
Diocese will ever have, — was found by his students in 
Bishop Griswold's own house and parish at Bristol. There 
are many reasons why such practical theology, as was 
taught there, will ever, in the main, be found better than 
that, which is, to so great an extent, taught amidst the 
dreamy speculations and the scholastic subtleties of most, 
if not all, of the endowed institutions of Theological learn- 
ing, whether in our own, or in other lands. 

On the 17th of July, 1836, occurred the lamented de- 
cease of Bishop White ; in consequence of which Bishop 
Griswold became the senior on our Episcopal bench, and 
the presiding officer in the house of Bishops. Upon the 
announcement of the event in Boston, a meeting of clergy 
was called at the house of Bishop Griswold, at which were 
passed truly appropriate resolutions, expressive of the sense, 
which the members of the meeting entertained of the great 
worth of the deceased, and of the bereavement sustained 
by his immediate family, by his Diocese, and by the 
Church at large ; and recommending the clergy of the 
Eastern Diocese to take suitable notice of the affliction in 

LL* 



402 MEMOIR, &C. 

their sermons on some one of the Sundays during the 
month of August. At the same time, a form of prayer was 
set forth by the Bishop to be used on the occasion, whenever 
such commemorative sermons should be preached. 

From what has already been said on this subject, it will 
easily be conceived that it was with extreme reluctance, and 
only after earnest solicitation, that Bishop Griswold con- 
sented to act as presiding Bishop, after the decease of 
Bishops Hobart and White. When once invested with 
office, properly so termed, its duties he would perform, what- 
ever their performance might cost him. But when the 
question was, whether he should take office, or even assume 
a new post for the discharge of its functions, every manifes- 
tation of his character, which w T e have thus far seen, is 
luminous with this truth, that he was one of the last men 
on earth to appear where he had any reason for believing, 
that he was not wanted, or was not welcome. It is true, 
that, by a rule of the House of Bishops, adopted in 1832, 
he now became the presiding member in that House, when- 
ever he should be present in General Convention ; that it 
was his place to preside at all future consecrations, which 
he might attend ; and that he was expected to perform cer- 
tain other duties under the Canons. But, then, he questioned 
the propriety of that rule ; and, considering that it was a 
mere rule, and might at any moment in General Convention 
be abolished, he did not look upon its existence, at that 
time, as any good reason why, under the peculiar circum- 
stances of his case, he should consent to take the place thus 
assigned him. 

Soon after the decease of Bishop White, he received a 
friendly letter from Bishop Onderdonk of New York, touch- 
ing this whole subject. This letter has not been preserved : 
but the original draft of his reply is in my hands ; and as it 
illustrates his feelings at this period of his life, I insert it, 
with the exception of that part, in which he speaks of the 
peculiar ground of his reluctance to take the place assigned 
him by the rule of the House of Bishops. Of this ground 



LETTER TO BISHOP ONDERDONK. 403 

enough was said when transcribing from his Auto-biography 
the account of his consecration. His reply to Bishop On- 
derdonk is dated : 

« Boston, December 22d, 1836. 

" Right Rev. and Dear Sir, — Your kind favor of the 7th 
inst. was in due time and thankfully received. Other en- 
gagements have caused some delay in the answer. 

" I doubt the wisdom of making the oldest of our body 
the presiding Bishop. It is true, that his peculiar duties are 
not many, nor very important ; but they are something ; 
and by this rule they will frequently, as in the present in- 
stance, fall upon one, who resides far from the centre ; ren- 
dering the discharge of them less convenient to him and to 
the Churches generally. I would prefer that he should be 
the Bishop of New York, or of Philadelphia. And, (as in 
the present case also,) these duties will often, if not always, 
fall upon one, who, by reason of old age, is least capable 
of performing them. My labors, too, in visiting Churches 
scattered over four States, once at least each year, occupy 

all the time, that I can well devote to journeying." 

****** * * 

" But we must take things as they are. Whatever may be 
my feelings, I desire, far as I am able, to perform every 
duty, which may not as well, or better, be done by another 
person. The question, on which your letter now calls for 
my decision, is, whether, under existing circumstances, I 
ought to be present at the meetings on the 7th and the 30th 
of June, as you propose, and also preach the ordination ser- 
mon." (These meetings were those of the Board of Mis- 
sions in Baltimore, and of the Trustees- of the General 
Theological Seminary in New York.) " I am very sure 
that others can perform all the duties proposed better and 
more acceptably than I can : but I would pay due regard to 
the request of the Domestic Committee, and to your friend- 
ly invitation ; and it would certainly give me much plea- 
sure to be present and act with my respected brethren on 
all those occasions. Besides the difficulties intimated above, 
I have three Churches to consecrate in three extreme parts 



404 MEMOIR, &C. 

of this Diocese, which will require three journeys in the 
Spring. And if in June I journey to the South, I must also 
be absent from the Conventions of Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island and Maine, all of which I ought, if practicable, and 
it has been my intention, to attend. I may perhaps be at 
New York on the 30th, if not at Baltimore on the 7th. 
What I would now propose, and all perhaps that I ought 
at present to engage, is, to consult with the clergy and others 
of this Diocese ; and if they approve, or consent to my ab- 
sence from it, at a time, when I shall be most needed in it, 
I will, the Lord permitting, comply with all that you pro- 
pose ; of which I will endeavor to give seasonable informa- 
tion. But, considering the circumstances, above stated, and 
my very advanced age, it will be well that a substitute 
should be seasonably appointed, to preach the Missionary 
sermon, and also to deliver the Address to the students at 
the Seminary commencement. 

" There is another subject, of not less importance, which 
it seems proper now to mention. A Pastoral Letter is to be 
prepared. For many years this has been done by one, in 
whom we all confided, but whose face we shall see no more. 
This, surely, will not henceforth be considered as the duty, 
ex officio , of the Senior Bishop. For several good reasons I 
should decline it. Probably the House of Bishops will ap- 
point some of their members as a Committee for that purpose. 
But previous to our meeting, something must be done ; and 
it is my desire and request, that you and others of our Epis- 
copal brethren, who often have the opportunity of meeting, 
will consider of this subject, and some two, or more of you 
consent to prepare the Pastoral Letter for 1838. Should my 
life be prolonged till that time, I doubt not but I shall hearti- 
ly acquiesce in what shall be presented. 

" Accept of my thanks for your kind letter, and be assured 
that I continue, 

With sentiments of respect and esteem, 
Your friend, and brother, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

The Rt. Rev. B. T. Onderdonk. 



DISSOLUTION OF THE DIOCESE AGAIN PROPOSED. 405 

Whether the Bishop actually attended the meetings, to 
which he was thus urged, I have not at hand the means of 
ascertaining. I have, indeed, a manuscript copy of an 
Address, which he delivered before the students of the 
General Theological Seminary ; but whether it was delivered 
in 1837, or in 1841, I am uncertain. 

In consequence of the action of the General Convention in 

1835, allowing small Dioceses to request the House of 
Bishops to nominate, and the House of Clerical and Lay- 
Deputies to elect, Bishops for them, before they were entitled 
by canon to elect for themselves ; Bishop Griswold suggested 
to the Convention of the Eastern Diocese in 1835, the ex- 
pediency of once more entertaining the question of a dis- 
solution of that body ; since, now, the Dioceses of New 
Hampshire and Maine, though with less than six settled pres- 
byters in each, would yet be able to obtain separate Episco- 
pal supervision. In pursuance of this suggestion, a " Com- 
mittee on the state of the Diocese" was appointed, who 
reported a resolution, to be acted on at the Convention in 

1836, recommending a dissolution. Accordingly, in his 
Address for 1836, the Bishop thus recurs to this topic : 

" The motion to dissolve this Diocese, made in our last 
Convention, and to be acted on in this, will, of course, 
occupy your very serious attention. It will, I hope and trust, 
be examined with caution and coolness, and decided in 
unanimity and peace. If the proposed measure be adopted, 
the effect, as I understand the question, will be, that the 
constitution of this Eastern Diocese will cease to be binding 
on any one ; and that this Convention will meet no more. 
In whatever shall be your decision, I shall acquiesce. I 
know not of any material inconvenience, that will result from 
the dissolution. My Episcopal supervision is not, as I con- 
ceive, involved in this motion. Whether the four States, or 
Dioceses, shall hereafter be under one Bishop, or two, or 
more, are separate questions, which you can consider, or not, 
as shall be thought expedient. Should you determine on 
the dissolution, and the separate Dioceses continue under the 
same Episcopal jurisdiction, I would advise that their several 



406 MEMOIR, &C. 

Conventions should be held at such distance of time, that the 
Bishop may attend them all, and deliver an Address to each. 
And I would also advise that the Easter collections should 
be continued for the benefit of each State respectively." 

But, although some of the clergy supposed that a dissolu- 
tion would now ensue ; and though the sermon at the open- 
ing of the session, by Dr. Morss of Newburyport, was evi- 
dently written on that supposition ; yet, when the proposed 
resolution was called up for discussion, it was soon ascer- 
tained that the feeling against dissolution was so general as 
well as so strong, that the whole subject was, by a very 
decided action, "indefinitely postponed." 

The remains of the disunion, produced by the convulsions 
of 1832, continued to be felt more in the city of Boston, 
where this Convention of 1836 was then sitting, than in 
other parts of the Diocese. This, indeed, was an unavoida- 
ble result. The lava from a volcano cools sooner in the 
distant fields, upon which it has been cast, than in the crater 
itself, from which it was thrown. Nevertheless, though un- 
avoidable, this result was yet to be deplored. And hence, 
the Bishop, like the Divine John, never tired of preaching 
love, thus improved his occasion : 

" Permit me here to suggest two things, which would, in 
my judgment, tend to the increase of our Churches, and to 
their spiritual improvement, in this large and growing city. 
The one is, a greater and more general interest in the sub- 
ject of city Missions. ****** The 
other * * * * * is, a more earnest cultiva- 
tion of love and union among all the members of our 
Churches and congregations in this city. I would not be 
understood as intimating that there is among us any particu- 
lar deficiency of Christian harmony. But this, you know, is 
a subject which, from its importance, is never unseasonable, 
and to which the peculiar circumstances of our Churches in 
this city call our attention. The religion, which we profess, 
is a religion of love ; and its best friends are they, who pro- 
mote peace on earth, and good will towards men. The 
Church, to which we belong, more perhaps than any other 



THE BISHOP DANGEROUSLY ILL. 407 

Church on earth, gives this evidence of being a true Church 
of Christ ; in all its ordinances and institutions, it inculcates 
unity and love. Though the members of our Church are 
not backward in talking of our union, in my judgment it 
would yet be well for us to boast of it less and to unite more. 
Let us not forget who has said : c By this shall all men know, 
that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one towards 
another.' We have as much need as had the Philippians, 
or as any Churches can have, to < stand fast in one spirit, 
with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.' " 

Having thus gathered up the most important incidents 
along the way, over which we passed, in tracing the rise 
and progress of the Massachusetts Episcopal Convocation, I 
now resume the thread of events, and advance in the history 
of the Diocese. 

During the winter of 1837, the Bishop had an attack of 
peculiarly violent and obstinate catarrh, or Bronchitis, at- 
tended with a painful cough, and much general weakness 
and suffering. For a long time, his recovery was doubtful, 
and his life hung in a most wavering balance. This, fol- 
lowing as it did, a slight attack of paralysis, the previous 
winter, turned his thoughts forward more strongly than ever, 
in habitual contemplation of death, and to such measures as 
his apparently feeble hold on life tended naturally to suggest. 
The subject of a dissolution of the Diocese having been in- 
definitely disposed of, it was now well understood that, at 
the approaching Convention of the Eastern Diocese for 1837, 
it was his intention to propose the election of an Assistant 
Bishop. Whether he wished this assistant for the whole 
Eastern Diocese, or for one of the States only, as a compo- 
nent part thereof, there were then no means of ascertaining. 
The knowledge of his general intention, however, was suffi- 
cient to put the whole body of the Diocese into a motion, 
which, though not turbulent, was yet wide spread and strong. 
With a quiet power, the question went forth, " shall the 
assistant be for the whole Diocese, or for a part?" And, as 
it went, it found the clergy divided into two unequal bodies, 



408 MEMOIR, &C. 

much the larger of which was in favor of an assistant for the 
whole. Accordingly, when the Convention assembled at 
New Bedford, on the 27th of September; and when the 
Bishop, as was expected, had presented the subject in his 
Annual Address, the extent of this preference was soon made 
apparent. The Committee, to whom this part of the Address 
was referred, having reported in favor of giving the Bishop 
the assistance, which he desired, a resolution was adopted, 
by a very large majority, to the effect that, whenever an 
assistant should be chosen, the election should be by the 
whole Diocese. It then became a question, whether the 
election should be made forthwith, or at either a special, or 
an adjourned Convention? An immediate election being 
deemed improper, it only remained to decide, whether a 
special Convention should be called, according to the pro- 
visions of the Constitution, or whether the Convention then 
in session should adjourn, for the purpose of making the 
proposed election. The determination was in favor of the 
latter ; and accordingly the session was adjourned to meet 
again on the 10th of January, 1838, in the city of Boston. 

This proceeding was plainly irregular, and defeated the 
object of the movement. A special Convention, called in 
conformity with the provisions of the Constitution, was the 
only proper step that could then have been taken. 

Between the Annual Convention in New Bedford and its 
adjourned session in Boston, appeared two pamphlets; the 
first denying the right of the Eastern Diocese to elect an 
Assistant Bishop ; the second affirming that right. Into the 
merits of this controversy it is not necessary here to enter. 
It will be sufficient to say that it was strictly courteous ; but 
that, whatever may have been its influence, the proceedings 
of the adjourned session were governed more by the ex- 
pressed views of the Bishop, and by the now admitted irre- 
gularity of the doings of the annual session at New Bedford, 
than by any arguments on the question of abstract rights. 
The Bishop was undisguisedly in favor of an election by one 
of the State Conventions : and it was manifest to all that an 
election by the adjourned Convention of the Diocese, would 



ASSISTANT ELECTED IN MASSACHUSETTS. 409 

be unconstitutional. When, therefore, this adjourned Con- 
vention met, it did little more than to reconsider the doings, 
on this point, of the annual session ; and then go through 
with the mere empty form of nominating a candidate, to be 
elected by some one of the State Conventions; that is; in 
case any such Convention should see fit to elect the candi- 
date in nomination. Indeed, the only other business of 
permanent importance transacted was, a renewed proposal 
of the amendment to the constitution of the Diocese, which 
had been formerly rejected, and by which the Diocese was 
to be dissolved on the demise of its first Bishop. This re- 
newedly proposed amendment, of course, lay over for future 
action. The gentleman, nominated for election by State 
Convention, was the Rev. Alonzo Potter, D. D., upon whom, 
in any important question, it was always easy to unite the 
main strength of the Diocese. 

After the final adjournment of this Diocesan Convention, 
the question of an Assistant Bishop was taken up by the 
Church in Massachusetts. Its Standing Committee held a 
meeting on the 9th of March, 1838, at which, as the Bishop's 
council of advice, they recommended him to propose the 
election of an Assistant to the approaching Convention of 
that Church in June. Such proposal was accordingly made ; 
and it is almost needless to say that Dr. Potter was elected 
by a nearly unanimous vote. And although, from his 
absence in Europe at the time, his acceptance, or non-accept- 
ance could not be signified, yet, at the General Convention, 
which met in Philadelphia the ensuing September, the regular 
testimonials in favor of his consecration were signed by both 
Houses of that Body. To the great grief, however, of his 
friends in Massachusetts, and to the disappointment of many 
high and pleasing hopes, soon after his return to this country 
he signified his non-acceptance of the election, notwithstand- 
ing the strong influence from various quarters, which was 
exerted to induce a contrary decision. Thus, a measure, 
fraught with promise of the highest good, fell void ; and our 
now aged Bishop was left to labor still alone on a field of 

MM 



410 MEMOIR, &C. 

multiplying duties, and under more than the pressure of in- 
creasing years. 

The period thus occupied, from the session of the Dio- 
cesan Convention in New Bedford, September 1837, to that 
of the Massachusetts Convention in Boston, June 1838, was 
one of profound interest to the Church in the Eastern States. 
The disunion of former seasons was again manifested, though 
with little of its asperities of feeling. The ecclesiastical ele- 
ments were heaved into strong motion ; but the waves there- 
of seldom broke into spray. The spirit of movement was 
perhaps deeper and wider than ever : but it was also under 
a stronger and more salutary control. Much was done, that 
might better have been left undone ; but nothing transpired 
to break the decency and the harmony of either official, or 
personal intercourse among the clergy, or between any of the 
clergy and their Bishop. In looking back upon the period 
as one of strictly Diocesan action, or as one, which contem- 
plated the election of an Assistant Bishop for the Eastern 
Diocese itself, it must be evident, from the light, which this 
history has thrown on the subject, that, let the right of the 
Diocese to make such an election have been what it may, 
such an election would probably have been an unfortunate 
measure. True, the constitution of the Diocese, when first 
adopted, contemplated a succession in its Episcopate. 
Evidently, too, under our general canons, the Diocese, which 
has a right to elect a succession of Bishops, has an equal 
right to elect an Assistant Bishop, to form a link in that suc- 
cession in case of survivorship. It must also be acknow- 
ledged that the attempt to dissolve the Diocese, during the 
life of Bishop Griswold, or even to legislate for its dissolu- 
tion at his demise, had been so often unsuccessfully made, as 
to favor the supposition of an intention to perpetuate the 
system under an actual successorship. But, then, without 
looking at the question, whether the Diocese was, at its 
origin, so constituted as to vest in it a legal, or constitutional 
right to maintain a succession of Bishops, it must, I think, 
be admitted that the single, secret bond, which was holding 



THOUGHTS ON THE PROPOSED ELECTION. 411 

the body together in 1837, and which continued to hold 
portions of it together till 1843, was, the thread of Bishop Gris- 
wold's life, made temporarily strong by the love and venera- 
tion, which all parties felt for his person, his character and 
his faithful labors ; and that therefore, had this body, thus held 
together, proceeded, according to its own constitution, to 
call a special Convention, and to elect an Assistant Bishop 
for the whole Diocese, the doubt, which, in the minds of 
many, hung over the question of the legality, or constitution- 
ality of its original organization, would have been carried 
with such weight into the General Convention as to insure 
ultimate defeat to the measure, in a refusal to consecrate the 
candidate elect. The weight of this doubt, added to that of 
the great inexpediency of attempting to perpetuate an organi- 
zation, which, however necessary at the outset, in the en- 
feebled state of our Eastern Church, was manifestly unfit for 
perpetuity, after the various parts of that Church had grown 
up into strength, would, in all probability, have turned the 
scale against any application for such an Assistant Bishop as 
was, at first, contemplated. The error, therefore, of the 
New Bedford Convention in adjourning for an election, 
instead of constitutionally calling a special Convention to 
elect, was, in one sense, a fortunate error. For, though the 
subsequent action of Massachusetts was without other fruit 
than that of bitter disappointment, yet this disappointment 
left the Church free from agitation and increasingly disposed 
to harmony ; while defeat, before the General Convention, of 
the measure contemplated by the Eastern Diocese, would 
have produced still more bitter fruit, besides entailing on the 
Church the mischiefs of possibly lasting strife. 

The history of the Eastern Diocese is now virtually at an 
end. At its annual Convention, September 1838, the 
amendment to its constitution, proposed at the adjourned 
session in January, was adopted by a nearly unanimous vote ; 
and thus the main question, which the organization involved, 
whether the Diocese should out-live its first Bishop ? was 
settled. His demise was to be its dissolution, From this 



412 MEMOIR, &C. 

moment its existence became a mere matter of form ; or at 
most, furnished its Bishop with his annual opportunity of 
addressing, as usual, the assembled clergy of his jurisdiction. 
Action, legislative, missionary, and executive, now tended 
more strongly, and more exclusively than ever to the Con- 
ventions of the separate parts, of which the Diocese had been 
composed. During the years 1838, and 1839, New Hamp- 
shire and Maine, as has been remarked, availed themselves 
of their constitutional privilege of withdrawing, by consent 
of the Bishop and of the other States, from the body ; retain- 
ing only provisional jurisdiction from Bishop Griswold ; 
while Rhode Island, after a violent, and somewhat disorderly 
effort to withdraw, finally voted to remain, principally on the 
ground of attachment to their Bishop, and a determination to 
stand by him while he lived. Thus the Diocese resembled 
the homestead of a grown up family ; the children of which 
are preparing to settle on their respective portions of the 
patrimonial estate ; resolved each to cultivate with increased 
diligence and skill his own share ; while the aged parent, 
venerable in authority, and maintained in the comfort and 
the quiet of his old home, moves round among them, counsel- 
ing all, laboring for all, and striving, with his best remaining 
strength and wisdom, to perfect the establishment, and to 
promote the prosperity, of all. 

At the organization of the Diocese in 1810, so feeble was 
the Church in the respective States, and so powerful were 
the obstacles, which hindered its growth, that the necessity, 
which prompted their union, generated also the idea of its 
perpetuation, at least beyond the life of any man then living, 
and suggested a corresponding provision for the election and 
support of an Episcopal succession. In this view, it was 
one of the most important organizations in our American 
Episcopal Church. And yet, in less than thirty years, so 
silently, yet effectually, had the labors, example and influence 
of its Bishop rolled those obstacles out of the way, and so 
gradually, yet largely, had the blessing of God multiplied the 
fruits of his ministry, that not only had the necessity for the 
union ceased to exist, but a contrary necessity for its disso- 



PASTORAL LETTER FOR 1838. 413 

lution had come in, and brought it virtually to an end, years 
before it reached the limit of its first Bishop's life. Hence- 
forward, instead of one, start forth four, and, running beside 
that of Vermont, they become ^ve, separate threads of narra- 
tion, to him, who would write the future history of our New 
England Episcopal Church. For, though no new Bishop for 
any one of the separate parts was now chosen, yet, from the 
moment, when it become certain that the Diocese, as a 
whole, would not survive its first Bishop, it ceased entirely 
to be an object of common interest ; and Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island, as well as New Hampshire and Maine, were 
as really distinct Dioceses, cultivating each its own separate 
interests and institutions, — interests and institutions separate 
though not conflicting,' — as they would have been, had even 
the name of the Eastern Diocese been no longer in existence. 
From this point therefore, I shall have little more to do than 
to follow the thread of Bishop Griswold's public life to its 
termination, as it connects him not only with his own Diocese, 
but also with the Church at large. 

We have already seen that, upon the demise of Bishop 
White in 1836, Bishop Griswold expressed a decided un- 
willingness to prepare the Pastoral Letter for the House of 
Bishops in the General Convention of 1838. So strongly, 
however, was he urged to this preparation by his brother 
Bishops, that he finally consented; and his first Pastoral 
Letter to our Church throughout the United States was read 
a few days only before the session of that Convention of the 
Eastern Diocese, the notice of which we have just closed. 
His health had been so much enfeebled, and his voice so 
much affected by the dangerous illness of the previous year, 
that the reading of the letter before the two Houses was, at 
his request, assigned to Bishop Onderdonk of New York. It 
was an interesting paper, discussing no one subject at length ; 
but touching upon a variety of important topics, rendered still 
more important by current events ; and filled with the kind 
and candid views, the chastened and holy feelings, the sound 
and Scriptural principles of its eminently Christian author. 

MM* 



414 MEMOIR, &C. 

The first Bishop, at whose consecration he presided, after 
he became Senior on our Episcopal Bench, was Dr. De 
Lancey of Western New York. His consecration took place 
in May, 1839, at St. Peter's Church, Auburn ; at which place, 
in compliance with the request of the Convention of that new 
Diocese, Bishop Griswold had very cheerfully appointed the 
services of that interesting occasion. 

The annual Convention of his own Diocese followed in 
September. At the previous session in 1838, it had been 
proposed so to amend the constitution, as to make the Con- 
ventions of the Diocese for the future triennial instead of 
annual. In view of the possibility of their adopting this 
proposed amendment, at the present session, the Bishop ad- 
dressed his clergy and laity, as though this were probably the 
last meeting with them, which he should ever be permitted 
to enjoy. He prefaced a view of the Diocese, for the last 
twenty-eight years, and of the growth of the Church in the 
various States composing it, with the following reference to 
himself; and few, who heard him, will ever forget the touch- 
ing simplicity and pathos of manner, with which he spake. 
Many heads fell upon heaving bosoms, and many tears 
dropped in silent places, while the holy man touched on his 
own ministry ; and especially while he expressed his fear, 
that he had been led to preach the Church more, and Christ 
less, than he ought to have done. Speaking of the proposed 
amendment of the constitution, he said : 

"Supposing it to be adopted, I may well consider this as 
the last time of my addressing the Convention of the Eastern 
Diocese. Happy would it be, could I, with St. Paul to the 
elders of Ephesus, say ; ? I have kept back nothing that was 
profitable unto you ; I have not shunned to declare unto you 
all the counsel of God.' 

"It has no doubt been observed by many, perhaps by all 
of you, that, in my visitations, I have spoken much of the 
tenets, rites and usages, by which the Episcopal Church is 
distinguished from other Protestant Christians. I have 
endeavored to do it in such manner as not to give needless 



ANNUAL ADDRESS FOR 1839. 415 

offence, nor to increase or perpetuate the divisions, which so 
unhappily exist. My intention in preaching so much on 
subjects, which seem to be but of secondary importance, has 
been, the instruction of the people in what they were more 
generally ignorant of than of other parts of religion. To 
give to those, who ask, and are willing to hear, a reason of 
the hope that is in us, provided we do it as an Apostle 
directs, c with meekness and fear,' will have a good effect. 
Unhappily, in our sectarian controversies, the spirit of meek- 
ness is too little manifest; and many Christians advance their 
favorite dogmas without the appearance of any year of being 
in error, or causing division, or being uncharitable. The 
too general ignorance, or misapprehension of our distinctive 
principles makes it more necessary for us to explain, or give 
the reason for what seems to them our peculiarities, than for 
other Christians of theirs. Our brethren of other Churches 
should think of this, and not be offended when we shew the 
apostolic authority for what we practice and teach. But still, 
I am not without fears that I may have devoted too much of 
my time to preaching the Church rather than Christ. The 
doctrines of his Cross are the most effectual in converting 
the heart and saving the soul. The fallen state of man, 
redemption by Jesus Christ, and justification through faith 
in his sacrifice for our sins, should be the main subjects of 
our public sermons, and of our teaching from house to 
house." 

Alas ! If he had such fears of bestowing a disproportionate 
attention upon the building, to the neglect of its living occu- 
pant, albeit the great burthen of his long ministry had been 
"Jesus Christ and him crucified ;" what must be the sad 
retrospect of some, when, from a death-bed, or at the judg- 
ment day, they are called to review their ministerial lives, 
and to see with what heated toils they have all along been 
working on the Church, and with what lack of zeal they 
have urged the Gospel of Him, who is Lord of the Church ! 

The amendment of the constitution, above referred to, 
was called up after the delivery of the Bishop's address ; but, 
upon debate, it was rejected, and the venerable man lived 



416 MEMOIR, &C. 

to meet and address his Convention at three more of its 
customary annual sessions, in the enjoyment, too, of his 
customary health and strength both of body and of mind. 

Soon after the rising of this Convention, he received a 
letter of inquiry, to which he returned the following reply. 
His answer explains the subject of the inquiry, and also ex- 
poses the folly of that extreme theory, into which some are 
ever prone to carry out the peculiarities of our Church. 

"Boston, Oct. 26th, 1839. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — I have the pleasure of receiving 
your favor of the 21st ; but, being about to set off on a jour- 
ney, am obliged, either to postpone the answer till my re- 
turn, or to write in much haste. As I have chosen the latter, 
be pleased to excuse what may seem a neglect of full atten- 
tion to the subject of your inquiry. 

" Permit me to say, in reply, that, in my judgment, the 
notion, maintained by some, that we must never, in social 
worship, use any prayers, but those in the Prayer-book, is 
unscriptural and injurious to our Church and to religion: 
that, of this, our clergy are generally sensible in their use of 
other prayers ; as, for instance, in visiting the sick, though 
for this occasion the Church has provided a form, and 
ordered that it shall be used : that, for occasions of social 
worship, for which the Church has made no express pro- 
vision, the Bishop may set forth forms appropriate to such 
occasions : and that our Church has made such provision but 
for morning and evening service. 

" c The form of Bishop Hob art for a third service' is an 
evident departure from the letter of the 45th Canon of 1832 ; 
but we may reasonably suppose that this Canon, in its spirit, 
has regard to the stated seasons of prayer and preaching, 
when, certainly, the regular service, and no other, is to be 
used. 

" How extensively the prayers, which I have published, 
are used in my Diocese I do not exactly know. By many 
of our clergy, those of Bishop Hobart, in Sunday-schools 
especially, are used in preference. I designed them, gene- 



417 

rally speaking, for extra occasions of social worship, when 
they might be more appropriate, and better express what 
was particularly desired to be offered in prayer, than the 
very excellent, but more general forms of the Prayer-book ; 
and especially for such occasions of social worship as you 
mention ; of c an evening lecture' even, c in a lecture-room 
or school-house.' I know not why preaching, or exhorta- 
tion, should alter the case. If, in all cases, we adhere to 
the strict, literal sense of the above mentioned Canon, how 
can the Gospel, by us, be ever preached to the heathen ? 
They, who have attended the meetings of our General 
Board of Missions, must have seen what common sense 
has taught our Bishops and clergy respecting the occasional 
use (in the Church even,) of other prayers besides those in 
the Prayer-book. 

" I would write more upon this subject did not want of 
time compel me to lay down the pen. 
With kind regards, 

Your very affectionate friend, 

Alex. V. Griswold." 

The Rev. Gurdon S. Coit 

The prayers, of which the Bishop speaks in the above letter, 
as his own, are contained in the volume, which he issued 
several years before this date, and which has succcessively 
passed through several editions. They are a miscellaneous 
collection, partly in the language of the Prayer-book, and 
partly in that of other authors, but very largely original ; 
adapted to a great variety of occasions ; and abounding in 
strains of deep and fervent devotion. Perhaps, however, 
it may be questioned whether, in this work, he has suc- 
ceeded so well as he would have done, if, instead of at- 
tempting to combine the various forms of others with his 
own composition, he had simply given himself up to the 
easier flow of his own worshiping spirit, filled as it was 
with the richness of the inspired word, and of our own 
Liturgy, and gifted as it was from the teachings of that Di- 



418 MEMOIR, &C. 

vine Illuminator, who helpeth all our infirmities, and with- 
out whose aid we can never acceptably worship the Father. 
On the 17th of May, 1840, was held in St. Bartholomew's 
Church, New York, a " Farewell Missionary Meeting," 
preparatory to the sailing of the Rev. H. Southgate for Con- 
stantinople and Mesopotamia. On that occasion, the letter 
of instructions from our Foreign Executive Committee to 
this their Missionary was read, with a promise that it should 
be followed by a general letter of introduction and instruc- 
tions from the senior Bishop. Mr. Southgate sailed on the 
22d of May ; and Bishop Griswold's letter of introduction 
and instructions reached him in Paris, the following July. 
This latter document has been made the occasion of strange 
imputations upon its author, in consequence of recent events 
among the various Missions to the Eastern Churches, and of 
the sad calamities, which have fallen on the Nestorian 
tribes in those countries ; as though Bishop Griswold, and 
the Missionary brethren, who acted with him, had been 
secretly and warily laying a plan for building up our Mission 
there on the ruin of others, and for working changes in the 
East, from which have flowed, as a result, the most unheard- 
of atrocities ! I cannot here enter into the history of this 
whole affair. For the two letters of instructions from the 
Foreign Executive Committee and from the senior Bishop, 
as well as for the account of the " Farewell Missionary 
Meeting" at St. Bartholomew's, the reader is referred to the 
Spirit of Missions for June, 1840, p. 176—190 ; and for 
July, 1840, p. 210—214: while the history of the Mission- 
ary events, and of those dreadful calamities, which have 
recently fallen out, among the Oriental churches ; as well 
as of the imputations, which have been brought against the 
senior Bishop's letter of instructions ; may be found by a 
reference to the various religious and secular papers of the 
city of New York for the last few months. It is enough 
for me to say that the designs imputed to Bishop Griswold 
and those, who acted with him, were utterly foreign to his 
nature, and could never by him have been conceived. 



FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. 419 

They are contradicted by the whole history of the man, as 
well as proved to have been falsely imputed, by the stub- 
born testimony of facts. 

Between the General Convention of 1838 and that of 
1841, Bishop Griswold, as the senior, was engaged in a 
correspendence with Foreign Bishops, on the subject of es- 
tablishing terms of intercommunion between the Protestant 
Episcopal Churches of England, Ireland, and Scotland, on 
the one side, and of the United States on the other. In 
the discharge of this duty, he addressed letters to the Arch- 
bishops of Canterbury and Armagh, to the Primus of Scot- 
land, and to the Bishops of Montreal, Nova Scotia, Jamaica, 
and Barbadoes ; from all of whom he received most kind 
and fraternal replies, opening the way for regular and truly 
Christian intercourse between the respective Churches re- 
presented. But as, in this, he acted as the mere agent of 
the General Convention, and as the correspondence is chiefly 
of a business character, it is not deemed important to insert 
it in this work. The nature, object and result of the corres- 
pondence may be seen by referring to the Journals of the 
General Convention for 1838, p. 93—95 ; and for 1841, 
p. 107—8. 

Meanwhile, his labors in his own Diocese continued, as 
usual, abundant ; in naught diminished by the gathering 
burthens of age. The close of his Annual Address, how- 
ever, shews that his mind was growing habitually familiar 
with the thought of death ; and that he looked forward to 
the dissolution of his Diocese and of his body as an event, 
which had already come in sight amidst the fore sh ado wings 
of the future. 

The year 1841 was somewhat fruitful of incidents in the 
life of this beloved man of God. At its opening, he was 
in feeble health ; and, looking forward to the General Con- 
vention, which was to assemble towards the close of the 
year, and to the possibility of his not being then alive, or 
able to attend its session, he addressed letters to Bishop 
Moore, as the next in seniority, and to Bishop Meade his 



420 MEMOIR, &C. 

assistant, urging them to take measures for preparing the 
customary Triennial Pastoral Letter from the House of 
Bishops. The Oxford Tract controversy was now widely 
agitating our Church ; and it was deemed a matter of deep 
importance, that the next Pastoral Letter should, whatever 
topic was selected for discussion, take true Protestant and 
evangelical ground. This fact gave character to the replies 
which he received, especially to that from Bishop Meade. As 
both these replies are interesting and not of great length, I here 
insert them. The following is from Bishop Moore. 

" Richmond, Va., January 23d, 1841. 

" Rt. Rev'd and Dear Sir, — Your favor of the 14th inst., 
came duly to hand ; in which you have appointed the 2d 
Sunday in Lent, March 7th, for the consecration of the 
Rev'd Dr. Elliott of Georgia, and have designated the 
Bishops of Maryland and North Carolina, in connexion with 
Bishop Meade and myself for the work of consecration ; all of 
which appointments I approve and will strictly comply with. 

" I have attended, also, my dear brother, to the represen- 
tation, you have given me, of the state of your health, and 
of the possibility of your being unable to attend the General 
Convention. Believe me, when I assure you how deeply 
your absence would distress my mind ; but when I notice 
the strong hold, you had, of your pen, when your letter was 
written, I indulge the hope, that your health, however deli- 
cate at present, will be restored so far as to admit of the 
trip to New York ; which, as it will be by water, cannot 
much fatigue you. 

" The Pastoral Letter, to which you have alluded, will, I 
hope, be drawn up by yourself; and, as your voice is weak, 
be read in the presence of the Convention by our friend, 
B. T. Onderdonk. 

" Should any thing occur to prevent you from preparing 
the Pastoral Letter, we will endeavor to produce something, 
which may answer the purpose ; so that you need not per- 
mit that circumstance for a moment to oppress your mind. 



PASTORAL LETTER FROM HOUSE OF BISHOPS, 1841. 421 

" With my fervent prayers for your recovery, believe me, 
my dear brother, 

With great respect and affection, 
Your friend and brother, 

Richard Channing Moore." 

4 



The Right Rev. 
Bishop Griswold. 



Bishop Meade's reply was more specially confined to the 
question, who should write the Pastoral Letter ? though it 
touched strongly on the subject of Tractarian Theology. 

" Millwood, January 21st, 1841, 

" Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir, — Yours of the 14th came to 
hand last evening, and I have written, this morning, to 
Bishop Moore. 

" I am deeply, but I hope not improperly, affected at the 
mention, which you make, of your feeble health. You are 
in the hands of God, who will use either your life, or your 
death, for the benefit of his Church. You speak of the 
next Pastoral Letter. I thought of it much last night on 
my pillow. My beloved father, you must write it, and you 
must do it now, at once ; whether you shall then be present 
to read it, or to hear it read ; or whether you shall then be 
sick at home, or at rest with God. Bishop Moore will 
adopt it as his own, if you be at rest ; and the house will 
not dare to reject it ; or, if it should, I, if alive, will see 
that the Church has the benefit of it in some way. Thus, 
though dead, you will speak some last, effectual words to 
the Church in America. Our last moments are moments, 
ofttimes, of peculiar light and grace ; and such, I trust, 
yours will be to the Church while penning your second 
Pastoral Letter. 

"Most truly rejoiced was I to see the resolution to 
publish all past addresses to your Diocese. I expressed a 
desire for such publication many years since ; for your ad- 
dresses always did me good when I read them. 

NN 



422 MEMOIR, &C. 

" I have prepared a sermon for the consecration of Dr. 
Elliott, in which I have endeavored to be faithful. I wish 
I could be with you, that I might read it and have your 
advice on one or two delicate points. 

" Should any thing occur to me as proper to be introduced 
into the Pastoral Letter, I will write ; but God will instruct 
you, on your bed of sickness, in all things. 

" Whilst I write as though to one, whom I shall never 
see again, I cannot but cherish the hope that God will per- 
mit us to see each other's faces again, and to take counsel 
together for his Church." * * * 






" Praying that God may abundantly bless you in all your 
prayers, and thoughts and works for His Church, I remain, 
as ever, 

Your sincere friend and brother in Christ, 



Wm. Meade," 



The Right Reverend 
Bishop Griswold. 



The passage in the above letter, which touched on the 
subject of the Tractarian Theology, I have omitted, as con- 
taining some personal references not intended for the public 
eye. The resolution, to which Bishop Meade refers, and 
which contemplated the republication of Bishop Griswold's 
Episcopal Addresses and other official documents, was pass- 
ed at the Convention of the Eastern Diocese, September 
1840 ; but, in consequence of the removal of one of the 
Committee, to w T hom the matter was referred, it was never 
fully carried into effect.* I have already remarked, that a 

* The vacancy in the Committee, here referred to, was indeed filled 
at the Convention of the Eastern Diocese in 1841 ; and the Committee, 
thus again complete, was continued for the purpose of its appointment. 
At the next Convention, also in 1842, the Committee was enlarged by 
the addition of a member from each of the four States, Rhode Island, 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine ; with a view to the collection 
of materials for a history of the Eastern Diocese, to be prefixed to the 
volume of the Bishop's Addresses. And, had he lived, it is probable that 



1841. 423 

judicious selection from those addresses and documents 
would still be a valuable service to the Church, furnishing 
a volume full of wise thought, sound polity, Scriptural 
doctrine, and heavenly piety. 

As to the Pastoral Letter, though this be a little before 
its time, yet, to save recurrence to the subject, it will be 
sufficient to state here, that Bishop Griswold's health was so 
far restored, that he not only wrote that paper, but also was 
present at the General Convention in October, and read it 
before the two Houses in joint session. He chose for his 
subject ; the Doctrine of our Church on the Article of Justi- 
fication by Faith, in connexion with that on the necessity 
and place of Good Works ; — or the double question, what 
must we believe, and what must we do, in order to be saved ? 
His discussion of it was clear, able and full of the marrow 
of the Bible. It was received with an expression of uni- 
versal approbation'; so much so, that, upon retiring from 
the Convention, he expressed his fear that he had not been 
rightly understood, or that if so, he had not succeeded in 
placing his true views distinctly before the two Houses ; 
inasmuch as he had certainly intended to shew that the doc- 
trine of our Church is not that held by the members of the 
Tractarian School. The truth is, it seems to have been ex- 
pected that he would assume a controversial attitude, and 
attack by name the theology of the Tracts. He did not do 
so. His discussion was direct. It gave no side blows at 
specific theories. It went straight forward with the doc- 
trine of the Bible and the Articles. It was therefore im- 
possible to disagree with him without at least appearing to 
disagree both with the standard of Revealed Truth, and 
with the teachings of our own Church. 

we should have had, — not the present work, combining- his Memoirs with 
the history of his Diocese, but the desired volume of his Addresses, 
prefaced by that history. The Christian's heart should say ; " the will of 
God be done." But nature is fain to utter the wish ; — " Would that he 
had lived, and that the substitute for the present work had thus fallen upon 
the abler hands, to which it had been assigned 1" 



424 MEMOIR, &C. 

It cannot, indeed, be denied that, had he chosen for his 
theme the single point of justification by faith, he would doubt- 
less have brought out more palpably the difference between 
our doctrine and that of the Tractarian School ; because the 
limitation of his theme would have given him more scope 
for amplification. But, as a brief treatise on the true har- 
mony between our two doctrines of justification by faith, and 
of the necessity of good works ; or, on the real agreement 
of the Apostles, Paul and James, in these fundamental ar- 
ticles of our religion ; the letter is an admirable production 
and well worth careful study. Some of its thoughts are 
like the " apples of gold in pictures of silver." 

But, however studiously the Pastoral Letter avoided all 
direct allusion to the controversy, which was agitating our 
Church, its author had occasion, before proceeding to the 
General Convention, to shew, by no equivocal manifesta- 
tion, how he stood affected towards that controversy. I 
allude to what transpired at the Annual Convention of his 
own Diocese in September, 1841. Two of his clergy had 
seen fit to introduce into their Churches certain chancel 
arrangements, favorite with the disciples of the Tractarian 
School, if not peculiar to them. In visiting their parishes, 
these things struck him with surprise, as indicative of a 
theological leaning, which he had not expected to find 
in any part of his Diocese. Its very first manifestation, 
therefore, he at once determined to mark with his de- 
cided disapprobation; not because any peculiar position 
of the material things of the Church was, in itself, es- 
sential ; but because, under the interpretation of circum- 
stances, it was an index to the approach of errors, which he 
considered fatal to the purity and life of the Gospel. In his 
Annual Address for this year, therefore, we find him ad- 
verting to this subject in these terms : 

" It is pleasing to see the improvement, which is gene- 
rally being made in the construction of our Churches. St. 

's in P , is a beautiful, and, for the most part, a 

convenient Church. But I was pained in noticing the 



CRITIQUE ON CHURCH EDIFICES. 425 

uncouth and inconvenient arrangement of the Chancel. I 
trust that none in this Convention need to be reminded of 
the absurdity of going back to the dark ages of Christianity 
for the models of our Churches, or for the manner of wor- 
shiping in them ; or of adopting any of the fooleries of ig- 
norance and superstition. God requires us to act as rational 
beings, not as idolatrous heathen. All the services should 
be performed in a place and manner the most commodious 
to the minister and the people. Whether he preaches, or 
prays, or administers the ordinances of Christ, he should be 
in the view of each and of all the congregation present. 
And in prayer, it is quite as fitting that he should face them, 
as that they should face him. To turn from them to the 
communion table, implies the supposition that God is par- 
ticularly present there, and sanctions the abominable doc- 
trine of Transubstantiation. God has promised to dwell in 
the hearts of His worshiping people ; and Christ has ex- 
pressly declared that where a few of them are gathered to- 
gether in his name, there he is in the midst of them. We 
are sure, then, that Christ is, by his Spirit, among the peo- 
ple ; but we have no assurance that he is on the table more 
than in any other part of the Church. Our bodies are the 
temples of the Holy Ghost. But God has no visible repre- 
sentation on the earth, and forbids our making any ; His 
likeness is to be formed in our hearts." 

More briefly, but in the same tone, he noticed the pecu- 
liarities in the other of the two Churches, to which I have 
referred. 

" With sorrow I add," (after having noticed the pecuniary 
condition of the parish,) " that I was pained and mortified 
at the strange derangement of the reading-desk and the com- 
munion-table, and at other exhibitions within the chancel, 
evidently corresponding with the idolatrous conceits of Chris- 
tians in those corrupt ages of the Church, which some affect 
to call primitive. In regard to this, their house is now in a 
worse state than St. 's in P , or than any other Pro- 
testant Church that I ever beheld. But, it may easily be 



426 MEMOIR, &C. 

restored to what is fitting and convenient ; and, as I hope, 
soon will be. Let us not look back to Egypt , lest we perish 
in the wilderness." 

These notices, it must be confessed, are sufficiently point- 
ed ; but I shall have occasion to recur to the subject, when 
I think it will be evident that they were not undeservedly 
severe. I pass, now, to what grew out of the General Con- 
vention, which soon followed, and at which the Bishop 
read the Pastoral Letter above noticed. 

At that session, the Rev. James C. Richmond applied 
to the House of Bishops to be consecrated a Missionary 
Bishop to the Turks ; offering to undertake the mission at 
his own charge. His application was not granted. He 
therefore took measures for visiting England, with a view 
to the attainment of his object through the Bishops of the 
English Church. As preparatory to this visit, he applied 
to Bishop Griswold for a letter of introduction to the Bishops, 
Clergy and faithful of the Church of Christ in foreign 
lands; and, after much importunity, succeeded in obtaining 
the Bishop's signature to a form, which Mr. R. had himself 
prepared. 

This measure was very severely censured in the New 
York Churchman, both by its Editor and by a contributor 
to its pages signed " Ordo;" charging Bishop Griswold with 
acting, (through a weak kindness indeed, and without wrong 
intention,) by a sort of usurped authority, in the name of the 
Church ; and with doing for Mr. R. what no one but his 
Diocesan in New York could properly have done. His act 
was represented, with whatever of innocent intentions on his 
part, as " a quiet and virtual assumption of the Patriarchate;" 
and as bearing " a semblance of Archiepiscopal authority." 
At the same time, the Bishop of New York addressed let- 
ters to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and to the Primus of 
Scotland, in which the same views of the Bishop's act were 
taken, though of course they were expressed in courteous 
and inoffensive terms. 

It would swell this work too much to give all these 



REPLY TO STRICTURES, &C. 427 

papers at length: they may be found, with the Letter of In- 
troduction to Mr. Richmond, in the New York Churchman, 
and in the Numbers for Dec. 11th, 18th and 25th of 1841. 
Their character will be sufficiently obvious to the ordinary 
reader from the reply, which the Bishop sent to that paper, 
and which was inserted in the number for Jan. 15th, 1842. 
This reply, I think it proper to insert here, in order that all 
who read this work, may at least see with what views 
Bishop Griswold acted in this somewhat unpleasantly noto- 
rious transaction. It cannot be denied, that the movement 
of Mr. Richmond was a singular one ; and that the letter, 
which he bore with him to England, was such as Bishop 
Griswold himself would never have written. Still Mr. R. 
pleaded his cause with so much of honest earnestness ; there 
were, at the time, so many apparently strong reasons in fa- 
vor of his project; and the letter which he carried, though 
needlessly oriental in its style, was yet so inoffensive in its 
character, that nothing more need be said by way of apolo- 
gy for the part, which Bishop Griswold acted, than what he 
has himself said in his own defence. The following is his 
letter "to the Editor of the Churchman." 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — In your paper of Dec. 11th, 1841, I 
find some ' strictures' on a letter of recommendation, which 
I was induced to give my esteemed friend, the Rev. James 
C. Richmond ; which strictures you pronounce to be c very 
just.' For many years I have noticed, that there are contri- 
butors to the Churchman, who are remarkably willing to 
find fault with me ; which, I am very sensible, they who are 
so disposed, may easily find. Generally, when censured, I 
have said nothing in justification, leaving it with those, 
whom it may concern, to judge of my character and conduct 
as they may think to be right. 

In the present case, it is more than insinuated by your cor- 
respondent, c Ordo,' that I have violated truth and the in- 
stitutions of the Church. And, in addition, you are pleased 
to inform the public, that what I have done c might lay me 
open to unpleasant animadversion ;' which I hope will be 



428 MEMOIR, &C. 

soon forthcoming, that the Church may know the worst of 
my conduct. As this public accusation concerns not merely 
my character, but the interests of our Church, I think my- 
self called upon to make the following statement : 

" When I was lately in New York, the Rev. Mr. Rich- 
mond mentioned to me his intended enterprize, and memorial 
of the Bishops. I advised him to do neither. Though he 
has some eminent qualifications for a missionary among the 
Turks, and though I respect his zeal for the Church and for 
religion, which I believe to be as pure and disinterested as 
any of us can boast of, I yet feared that he would injure him- 
self, without being able to do much among the Turks for the 
Church. I also reminded him of the little, if any, probabili- 
ty of his obtaining Episcopal orders for such a Mission from 
any source whatever. 

"Asl was leaving the city, at his earnest request I gave 
him a general recommendation, in very few words, simply 
signing my name. When I was in the boat, and as it was 
just leaving the wharf, he came on board, requesting me to 
add the title of Bishop, which I reluctantly did. I have 
ever had a dislike to giving myself titles ; nor have I wished 
that others should give them. 

" Not many days after, he called at my dwelling in Boston, 
informed me that he had fully determined on his proposed 
journey to the East, and requested of me recommendations 
more full and formal. I, for some time, declined adding 
any thing to what I had already given ; but he was so very 
urgent, that I at length told him he might write what he 
wished me to sign, and that, seeing he was determined on 
making the attempt, I would, from friendship to him and a 
desire to aid him, (if without making myself ridiculous I 
could do it,) comply with his request. He soon brought me 
what he had written. To several things I objected. He 
was in haste, and soon left me. Hoping to see him again 
before he left Boston, I laid the writing aside. He did not 
call again : but sent a young man to take it from me to 
another, who was to write it on parchment. I looked it over 
in haste, erasing some parts, and reluctantly leaving others, 



REPLY TO STRICTURES, &C. 429 

which could not well be altered without writing the whole 
again. I never put my name to any thing with less willingness, 
having from my youth disliked any unnecessary appearance 
before the public. It did not, indeed, occur to me that it 
might be published in this country. But, after reading it 
again, as published in your paper, I can discover no devia- 
tion from truth, nor the violation of any canon or rule of our 
Church. I was sensible, (perhaps too sensible,) that I ex- 
posed myself to ridicule. If I had less of pride it would be 
better. 

" It seems the words, c our presbyter,' have given much 
offence. I can most truly say, that the conceit that such 
phraseology was virtually claiming him to be of the Eastern 
Diocese never entered my mind, till I read it in the Church- 
man. I can also say, that I have not been in the habit of 
aping the royal style by speaking of myself in the plural. 
When, in official acts, I am constrained to do it, it is not as 
particularly regarding myself, but as being one of a body 
consisting of many members, and as acting in behalf of the 
Church ; as, indeed, I use 6 in secret,' the first word of the 
Lord's prayer. In this present case, the pompous style of 
the letter was one of the things to which I objected, but 
finally let pass, to gratify a friend. In letters dimissory, I 
do not say: c our presbyter,' but, as the Church directs, speak 
of myself in the singular number. I thought then, and still 
think, that I may say of one, who was brought up in the 
Eastern Diocese, whom I ordained, and who has lived in 
my family, that he is c tried, approved, and well-beloved.' 
I certainly so believe, and I so esteem him. I have not pre- 
tended to transfer him to any Diocese, but have simply com- 
mended him to c the notice, kindness and hospitality' of all 
Christian people, < as one who is willing to spend and be 
spent, &c.,' which I believe to be remarkably true. 

" To what he had written towards the close, and which, 
as printed in your paper, is, 'that our constitution and 
canons are such that even those Bishops, who would be will- 
ing thus to send him, do not believe themselves now to have 



430 MEMOIR, &C. 

authority to consecrate a Bishop for foreign parts,' I particu- 
larly objected. He told me in reply, that some of the 
Bishops had expressed to him a willingness thus to send him. 
And some of us certainly thought that we had not authority 
to consecrate Bishops for foreign parts, without the concur- 
rence of the other house. Whether it is printed as it was 
after correcting, and when I signed it, I have some doubt ; 
but as I can see nothing in it, which is untrue, I am willing 
that it should pass as it is. 

" I am, it seems, further accused of c a semblance' of 
overrating my power, as c Presiding Bishop' and of assuming 
Archiepiscopal authority. It is thought, by high authority, 
to be expedient even to write to Bishops in Europe to pre- 
vent their being deceived by such apparent usurpation. My 
opinion, or view, of the office and power of c the senior, or 
presiding Bishop of our Church' is, that he is one, to whom 
are assigned certain prescribed acts or duties, which must be 
done by some one ; and I shall hope not to be blamed for 
saying, that no one can be more desirous to be excused from 
the performance of those duties than myself. My life and 
talents, such as they are, have long been devoted to that 
Church, of which, from earliest infancy, I have been a mem- 
ber ;. nor would I decline any duties in its service, but such 
as others can better perform. My age and other infirmities, 
as also my remote residence, are sufficient apology for my 
having, as your own Bishop can tell you, said all, that with 
propriety I could say, both in the House of Bishops, and to 
himself by letter, urging that some other than myself might 
be appointed to perform those duties. I proposed that, for 
the convenience of the Churches, it should be the Bishop of 
one of the States, in which the General Convention usually 
meet. I never supposed that the appointment gave me 
Archiepiscopal, or any other authority ; but simply laid upon 
me obligation to perform the duties expressly prescribed. 

"I have thought it my duty to the Church to make the 
above statement, and I request that it may be inserted in 
your paper. However i painful"* shall be the Q animadver- 



UNJUST CHARGE AGAINST THE BISHOP. 431 

sions' which may hereafter follow, I shall probably endure 
them in silence. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

Boston, Jan. 5th, 1842. 

The two simple facts, mentioned in this letter, that the 
first paper, which Bishop Griswold handed to Mr. Richmond, 
was very brief and signed with his name alone, without, any 
title ; and that the letter, which Mr. R. finally carried with 
him on his expedition, was, not a letter dimissory, but simply 
one of introduction, are enough to shew both the Bishop's 
own character as averse to all assumption of mere titular 
dignity, and the groundlessness of the idea that he had per- 
formed for Mr. R. an act, which belonged of right to the 
Bishop of New York. 

About the close of the year 1841, or at the opening of 
1842, Bishop Griswold must have received, from our Mis- 
sionaries, Dr. Robertson and Mr. Southgate, their letters of 
September 1841, introducing Mar Yohanna, the Nestorian 
Bishop of Ooroomiah in Persia, of our Bishop's intercourse 
with whom I shall have more to say. 

The year 1842 was one of peculiar interest to the subject 
of these memoirs. It witnessed, among other things, one of 
the severest trials of his life, in the death of his youngest son, 
a fine lad of high promise, in whom his aged but still warm 
heart seemed much bound up : as well as one of the most 
grateful solaces, which could have been given to his declin- 
ing years, in the election and consecration, under most 
happy auspices, of his Assistant, the present beloved Bishop 
of Massachusetts. 

Soon after the death of his son, too, his feelings were 
severely tried by a most unexpected attack on his character ; 
which I shall notice the rather as it will furnish an opportu- 
nity for setting the minds of many right on a point, which 
appears to have been much misunderstood. 

On the 14th of April, a quarterly meeting of the Anti- 
Slavery Society of Plymouth county was held in Hanover, 



432 MEMOIR, &C. 

at which the noted Abby Kelly offered a resolution, censur- 
ing Bishop Griswold, on the ground, as she stated in her re- 
marks, that he was implicated in the traffic in slaves, having 
recently received from the estate of his son, Alexander H. 
Griswold, deceased, $10,000, the proceeds of a sale of planta- 
tion and slaves in the Island of Cuba; that he was then 
living on that property ; and that when a gentleman of Bris- 
tol, R. I. called on him for the purpose of purchasing some 
of the slaves, he referred the applicant to the administrator of 
his son's estate. The motive of this accusation I leave 
with those, who were instrumental in bringing it forward. I 
am concerned with nothing but its ground. What this was 
will be seen by the following letter, which Bishop Griswold 
wrote in reply to one from the Rev. Samuel Cutler of Han- 
over, detailing the facts of the anti-slavery meeting. 

« Boston, April 16th, 1842. 

" Rev. and dear Sir, — Your favor of yesterday is just now 
received. Being obliged, in my present state of deep afflic- 
tion, to leave home to-day, I sit down to write a few lines. 

To escape censure I have never expected, and endeavor 
patiently to bear it. My son, Alexander, on account of his 
health, resided several years in Cuba, and accumulated there 
a little property. In what it consisted I never exactly knew ; 
no doubt such as is there common. Before his death he 
made a will, putting his property in my hands ; and request- 
ing me (in private conversation) to distribute it as he direc- 
ted. He wished it to go to the children and grand children 
of his mother, many years since deceased. Accordingly I 
have in my will, (in case I should die before it is all received 
and distributed,) given it all to them. I never knew, or 
heard, that he owned any plantation ; nor did any one ever 
come to me to purchase slaves. If he owned slaves, it was 
not lawful for me to liberate them; nor would it be right in 
me, but a breach of trust, to withhold the property from those, 
his relatives on his mother's side, to whom he wished me to 
distribute it. None of them live in this state ; his brother 
and sister reside in Kentucky, which is a slave holding state. 



UNJUST CHARGE REFUTED. 433 

I am not conscious of having done any thing illegal, or dis- 
honorable. 

Your affectionate friend, 

Alexander V. Geiswold." 

The Rev. Samuel Cutler. 

In another letter to the same clergyman, dated May 5th, 
1842, he writes thus : 

" In answering your letter of April 15th, it did not, at the 
time, occur to me to mention, that Wm. D. Sohier, Esq., of 
this city, had the management of the business of my son's 
estate, and knows much more about it than I know ; and 
that, if any of your people, or any people, feel dissatisfied, or 
wish to know more on the subject, he can give them full in- 
formation. But, when we consider the disposition of some 
to injure religion and to make the worst of every thing, 
generally speaking, the wiser course for us will be to let them 
say, or do, what they will, without taking much notice of it ; 
and especially to avoid taking any notice of what they may 
choose to publish in the newspapers." 

As to the ground of the accusation in question, then, it 
was utterly without foundation. Bishop Griswold became 
the channel of transferring, to the relatives designated, the 
property, which his son had acquired in Cuba ; whither he 
resorted many years before, with the view of prolonging, for 
a time, a life already invaded by that relentless destroyer of 
the family, the Consumption. In 1839 this son returned 
home ; and, after remaining with his aged parent a while, 
started on a visit to his brother and sister in Louisville, Ky. ; 
but died before he reached Pittsburgh, on board the canal 
boat, which was gently bearing him towards those whom he 
loved. After this sad event, the proceeds of his property 
came by degrees into his father's hands, to the amount of 
about $10,000 ; and was disposed of, as has been stated, in 
strict obedience to his directions. 

What the Bishop's own views of slavery were, we have 
already seen, in his correspondence with the Secretary of the 
London Church Missionary Society ; and shall have occasion 

oo 



434 MEMOIR, &C. 

again to see, ere the present work is closed. He looked 
upon the whole slave system as one of incalculable evil ; and, 
if he could have been an agitator, would probably have 
labored as zealously as any for the speedy extinction of that 
system. 

But, the point, in regard to this subject, on which it is 
specially desirable to correct misapprehension, is the sup- 
position, that Bishop Griswold left to his wife an amply com- 
fortable maintenance. The simple truth is, that, after trans- 
ferring, to the surviving children and grand children of his 
first wife, the proceeds of the estate of his son Alexander, 
there remained of his own early property, and as the savings 
of a long life of frugality and of many years' toil in the work 
of education, less than the sum of $10,000, or an income of 
about $500 per annum, to the widow and child, whom he 
has left behind ; an income altogether inadequate to their 
comfortable support at house-keeping, inclusive of the 
necessary education of the little orphan ; and calling on the 
Diocese, to whose spiritual interests the Bishop was so long 
and so self-sacrificingly devoted, for an additional provision 
of means to insure the respectable maintenance of his 
widowed companion and a proper education to his fatherless 
daughter. 

I have already alluded to Mar Yohanna's introduction to 
Bishop Griswold. While this interesting stranger was in 
Boston, he attended service, Sunday morning, Feb. 27, 1842, 
at Grace Church, in that city ; held public, as well as private, 
intercourse with Bishop Griswold ; and especially joined in 
communion with him and the members of our Church. .For 
receiving him to this last privilege, it seems, our Bishop was, 
in some quarters, seriously blamed, on the ground that Mar 
Yohanna was a Nestorian ; and that, as the founder of that 
sect was once declared to be a heretic, all its members, and 
especially all its ministers, must at the present day be held 
and treated as heretics. One of the clergy of our Church in 
Vermont, (which one, the papers before me do not shew,) 
received a letter on the subject, even from Scotland, and 
made it an occasion of addressing a communication to Bishop 



MAR YOHANNA. 435 

Griswold, evidently calling in question the propriety of the 
step, which the' latter had taken in admitting Mar Yohanna 
to our communion. This communication has been either de- 
stroyed or lost ; but its nature may be judged by the reply, 
which Bishop Griswold returned, and a copy of which I find 
among his papers, though without date, signature, or super- 
scription. Even in this state of indefiniteness, however, it is 
worth preservation, as among the latest of his writings, and 
as full evidence of the undiminished action of his mind. 
The following is the copy. Its date was probably about the 
1st of September, 1842. 

" Yours of the 26th of August was several days since re- 
ceived. Absence from home and other engagements have 
not allowed me time to consider the subject of the letter, 
sent you from Scotland : and I freely acknowledge that I 
scarcely have patience to consider it at any time. That so 
much ado should be made about my communing with one, 
who is said to be a Nestorian Bishop, sickens me at heart. 
Whether Mar Yohanna is truly a Bishop of any Church, I 
pretend not to know, and have had no occasion to make any 
inquiry, as he performed no clerical act. I believe, from 
conversation had with him, that he is a pious, good man, 
and a sincere believer in Jesus Christ ; and with such I am 
ever willing to commune. Clergymen, or ministers, of 
various denominations, have come to the Lord's Supper when 
I administered it ; but it never entered my mind that any one 
would be so absurd as to suppose that it was uniting with 
their denominations, or acknowledging the validity of their 
orders, or the soundness of the faith, or the orthodoxy of the 
Churches, to which they respectively belonged. I know 
not of any Bishops of any Church, whom, as such, I would 
reject from communion ; no, not even Popish Bishops, whom 
I consider as, of all who claim the title, the most heretical. 
The Nestorians, so far as I know, are in doctrine and 
worship, more in conformity with us than are any other of 
the ancient Churches. But this has little concern with the 
present question. My view of Councils is such as is ex- 
pressed in the 21st Article of the English Church. Of their 



436 MEMOIR, &C. 

fallibility we have too much proof. Of that of Ephesus, 
called the third General Council, Mosheimhas good authori- 
ty for saying ; c The transactions of this Council will appear 
to the candid and equitable reader in the most unfavorable 
light, as full of low artifice, contrary to all the rules of justice, 
and even destitute of the least air of common decency.' 
Cyril, who presided, was the avowed and bitter enemy of 
Nestorius, whom they condemned unheard, and for heresies 
which he denied. What was deemed his errors appears to 
have been more in words, than in doctrine. His refusing to 
call Mary, ' The Mother of God,' I much approve. 

" But this is little to the present purpose ; for allowing 
that he was heretical, and that the Nestorians now do not, 
in every thing, agree with us, (indeed, what Church does 
agree with us in every point ?) is this a good reason for my 
refusing to commune with one of that Church ? Suppose 
that a Methodist Bishop had been invited to receive the 
communion at my hands, would that imply that I recognized 
the validity of his orders ? 

" I have formed no union with any Church but that, of 
which I am an unworthy member ; and, of course, have no 
apology, or explanation to make ; nor am I conscious of 
having, in this matter, done any thing inconsistent with the 
office I bear, or the religion, which I profess. I grieve only, 
at the seeming bigotry and uncharitableness of the objection 
made to my conduct. 

"For yourself be pleased to accept assurances of my re- 
gard ; and, for your friendly letter, the very sincere thanks 
of 

Your friend and brother, 



The above letter may have been, in some points of phrase- 
ology, altered in the form, which was sent, as it was custo- 
mary with its author to improve his style in copying from a 
"rough draft ;" but it evidently imbodies the substance, and 
probably, in all important points, the language of the letter, 
as it was finally despatched. The argument, which it 



RENEWED CRITIQUE ON CHURCH EDIFICES. 437 

virtually contains, consists of three steps : 1. that the extent of 
the heresy of the original Nestorius may, with much plausibili- 
ty, be questioned: 2. that the power of such a questionable he- 
resy must be exceedingly virulent to be able to send down its 
condemning taint through every change in the Church for 
fourteen hundred years: and 3. that though a Church, as a 
body, may be considered heretical, yet this fact does not 
carry with it, by necessary inference and implication, the 
corresponding heresy of every individual minister and mem- 
ber, so that, by kneeling with a pious Nestorian around the 
table of the Lord, we thereby make ourselves accomplices in 
a heresy fourteen hundred years old. Taking this view, one 
is not disposed to wonder that Bishop Griswold had scarcely 
patience enough to consider the cavils urged against his 
Christian fellowship w T ith the good Mar Yohanna. 

I have already alluded to the notice, which the Bishop 
took of the strange chancel arrangements, which had been 
newly introduced into two of the Churches in his Diocese. 
Whatever effect his notice may have had upon the one of 
those parishes, upon the other its effect was soon apparent. 
But, it so happened that the alterations, which were made in 
consequence of the strictures passed on the unpalatable inno- 
vation, instead of being a return to the customary arrange- 
ments of our chancels, were, if possible, a wider departure 
from them. This drew forth, in his Annual Address for 
1842, the following repeated notice. "In my late visit to 

, ****** it was with 

no little pain that I found such further change and derange- 
ment in the chancel, desk, &c, of their Church, that the 
convenience for administering confirmation and the other 
Christian ordinances, is very much diminished ; and all this, 
to render, it seems, the whole more comformable to the 
superstitious fooleries of the dark ages of the Church." 

His former notice had led to a private, this produced an 
official, correspondence ; and as it is official, and therefore 
belongs to the public ; especially, as the Bishop has been 
much censured for these portions of his address, without any 
defence of his course ; and as what passed will illustrate a 

oo* 



438 MEMOIR, &C. 

portion of the Bishop's character, and of the latest times, in 
which he lived ; I feel at liberty to give the letters, which 
passed on this occasion, as they lie before me ; for obvious 
reasons omitting names, and recording only facts and state- 
ments. The former of the letters is from the Wardens and 
Vestry of the Church in question ; dated, 

« , Nov. 25th, 1842. 



" Right Rev. and dear Sir, — At a meeting of the Wardens 

and Vestry of Church in this place, for the purpose of 

taking into consideration the present relations of this Church 
with the Diocese, to which it geographically belongs, it was 
unanimously resolved ; that a Committee be requested to 
address the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold, and respectfully con- 
vey to him the sentiments of this body, — which are also those 
of the whole parish, with few or no exceptions, touching the 
existing unhappy condition of things. The undersigned, in 
obedience to this direction, ask leave now to call your atten- 
tion to several matters, in which this parish feels deeply in- 
terested. 

" You will recollect, esteemed Sir, that, in your Annual 
Address, before the Convention held at Dedham, Sep. 22, 
1841, you made the following observations in regard to our 
Church : 

" ' With sorrow I add, that I was pained and mortified 
at the strange derangement of the reading-desk and the 
communion-table, and at other exhibitions within the chancel, 
evidently corresponding with the idolatrous conceits of Chris- 
tians in those corrupt ages of the Church, which some affect 
to call primitive. In regard to this, their house is now in a 

worse state than St. 's in P , or than any other 

Protestant Church, that I ever beheld. But, it may be 
restored to what is fitting and convenient ; and, as I hope, 
soon will be. Let us not look hack to Egypt, lest we perish 
in the wilderness.' 

" This rebuke, severe, humiliating and distressing as it 
was, as well in its immediate bearing as in its imminent 
consequences, we bore with patient submission, and in 



CRITIQUE ON CHURCH EDIFICES. 439 

silence ; persuading ourselves that, however painful to us, 
and injurious in its effects upon the Church, it was undoubt- 
edly designed for our good ; and that, although we were not 
knowingly, or wilfully guilty of the wickedness imputed, 
we might, nevertheless, unconsciously have given cause for 
your reproof or admonition ; and, however much we might 
deplore so public a reprehension, and so permanent a record, 
of our alleged faults, yet, we felt unwilling to complain 
against what we admitted to be an exercise of your rights, 
or to murmur at what we presumed to be an act of duty. 

" Our first effort, therefore, after the publication of those 
remarks, was, to remove, so far as we could judge requi- 
site, in the absence of any authentic information, or official 
instructions in the premises, every matter, thing, or usage, 
that, in our opinion, could possibly provoke any further ani- 
madversions of this nature. We might enter into minute 
particulars ; but they are needless at this time. Suffice it to 
say, that, at a considerable expense, defrayed by private 
subscription, our chancel was newly arranged with an 
earnest wish to conform to what we conjectured, (having no 
positive guidance) might meet your views, and with an 
eye to the security of ev^ery convenience, which its limited 
dimensions would admit. We then flattered ourselves that, 
at your next ensuing visitation, we might peradventure ob- 
tain the approbation of our revered Diocesan for what we 
had accomplished ; or, at least, for our honest attempts at 
improvement, escape additional censure. Judge, then, 
dear sir, of our disappointment, our astonishment and grief, 
when, without any preliminary monition, we beheld, in your 
recent address before the Convention at Charlestown, on the 
27th September last, this cutting and withering reprimand : 

" ' In my late visit to , twenty- two persons were 

confirmed ; but it was with no little pain that I found such 
further change and derangement in the chancel, desk, &c, 
of their Church, that the convenience for administering con- 
firmation and the other Christian ordinances is very much 
diminished \ and all this, to render, it seems, the whole more 



440 MEMOIR, &C. 

conformable to the superstitious fooleries of the dark ages 
of the Church. 1 

" After what we have declared, relative to our intentions 
and governing principles, in making the alterations in ques- 
tion, it would, perhaps, be superfluous to plead our inno- 
cence of the allegation involved in the above sentence. 
Justice to our own character, however, and a religious re- 
gard for truth, demand of us a formal renunciation of the 
motive therein ascribed, — that of designedly deranging a 
portion of the interior of our Church edifice, in order that 
the most sacred solemnities of our service may be identified 
with c the superstitious fooleries of the dark ages !' It is 
our firm conviction that, how well advised soever you may 
have deemed yourself before giving utterance to this accu- 
sation, we have, nevertheless, been made the unoffending 
victims of slanderous aspersions, proceeding, originally, 
either from persons, who are not communicants in our 
Church, or from misinformed and prejudiced dissenters, or 
from thoughtless, unbaptized individuals, possibly of our 
own congregation, but irregular attendants, and who take 
but little interest in the reputation, or progress of our infant 
parish. Under this impression, we are directed to solicit 
of you a full and candid enumeration of those peculiar 
forms, ceremonies, arrangements, ornaments, or other matter, 
known to you to be in use with us, and which you consider 
either as approximating to the idolatrous conceits and super- 
stitious fooleries of corrupt ages, or in any manner inconsist- 
ent with the established, or recognized usuages of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church in the United States. And, more- 
over, in order that we may meet our accusers face to face, 
or at least convince you that they are not of our communion, 
but are rather the enemies of our peace and welfare, — we 
respectfully ask you to furnish us with their names, — espe- 
cially of those, upon whose testimony was founded a recent 
letter from you to the Rev. Mr. . 

"We need not enlarge, sir, upon the cruel effects of 
judgments, ex parte ; nor need we remind you how little 



CRITIQUE ON CHURCH EDIFICES. 441 

able we are to endure general denunciations from high places, 
growing out of specifications never presented to us for in- 
vestigation, and which, remaining uncontroverted, must not 
only deprive us of those sympathies we so much need ; but 
affix a lasting stigma upon the little Church here planted, 
and even, by implication, in some degree, upon the whole 
body of Christians, to which we claim to belong. 

" Finally, we are devoted, heart and soul, to the cause 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. We desire to add no- 
thing, that she, our Holy Mother, does not enjoin for her 
services, nor to omit any thing, that she prescribes. Hoping 
soon to be favored with a reply, and that this painful subject 
may be happily settled, we subscribe ourselves, 
Most affectionately, 

Yours, in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, 



•, > Committee" 



The Rt. Rev. \ 

Alex. V. Griswold. \ 

A reply they did soon receive ; and, as it reveals the true 
state of the case with sufficient clearness, and shews how 
far they were practically governed by their expressed desire, 
neither to add to what our Church enjoins, nor to omit what 
she prescribes, I shall insert it without other comment here, 
than that it is, as usual, but " the rough draught" of what 
was sent, and that it seems to want some sentence, or sen- 
tences at its conclusion. It is doubtless, however, the body 
of his answer. 

" Boston, Nov. , 1842. 

" Gentlemen, — I have just received yours of the 25th, 
complaining somewhat severely of some remarks in my last 
two addresses to our Conventions ; and will endeavor 
briefly to give such answer as you require. 

" And first, in regard to the alterations, of which I ex- 
pressed a disapprobation, I supposed, and indeed then had 
no doubt, that they were made at the suggestion, and through 



442 MEMOIR, &C. 

the influence of the Rev. Mr. ; and I thought, and 

still think, that I had good reasons for supposing it ; and, 
so far as I know, it is the opinion of all of our clergy, who 
have, in the last year or two, officiated in your Church. But 
I am told in your letter that they are such as the c whole pa- 
rish, with few or no exceptions,' approve of. If so, I regret 

my having ascribed them to Mr. 's influence. You 

certainly have a right to make any alterations, that you 
please, in your own building. Had they, (as I and all others, 
whom I have heard speak on the subject, supposed,) been 
made in compliance with the wishes of a young man in 
Deacon's orders, who did not belong to this Diocese, and 
was officiating in violation of our Canon, he merited more 
reproof than my letter to him contained. The reason for 
my refraining so long in silence, I gave him. 

"lam well aware that there is a new sect lately sprung 
up among us, called Puseyites, or Low Papists, who have, 
chiefly in England, written, and preached, and published 
much against the Reformation, and are endeavoring to bring 
back into the Church of England many of those supersti- 
tious mummeries, and idolatrous practices, for protesting 
against which so many of her pious Bishops and other min- 
isters have been burnt at the stake. The High Papists and 
Low Protestants are both rejoicing at this threatened division 
in the Episcopal Church, hoping to profit, and the Papists 
have already profited, by our dissentions. The cry of 
Popery against us has hitherto caused our Church to be 
small in this country. This prejudice was fast being re- 
moved, when a really backward tendency towards Popery 
arose, and is now likely tor evive and strengthen it. But, I 
trust in God, that a large majority of our people will remain 
steadfast to the great principles, and to the simple usages of 
the Reformation, and of our own Protestant Episcopal 
Church. 

" What you mean by saying that you were not c know- 
ingly, or wilfully guilty of the wickedness imputed,' I do 
not understand ; as I have not ' knowingly or wilfully' 
imputed wickedness to any one. Should you make your 



CRITIQUE ON CHURCH EDIFICES. 443 

Church "wholly Popish, which you have a good right to do, 
I should not ascribe it to any wicked motive, but charitably 
believe that you were actuated by good intentions. I think, 
too, that I have a right to express my opinion of the altera- 
tions made, without being justly accused of cruelty, or of 
ascribing evil motives to those, who have made them. 

" You tell me that a part has been done to render the 
chancel more conformable to my views. Is it not somewhat 
strange that you should do this without being at any pains 
to ascertain, as you very easily might have done, what my 
views were ? Or did I ever complain of the chancel as 
your former minister left it ? On the contrary, did I not 
view it, and praise it, with much pleasure ? There was 
then a very convenient reading-desk, and such a one is 
among the greatest conveniences in the performance of 
divine service. Since that time, I have observed that it is 
all torn away, and I believe cut to pieces ; though this I 
will not affirm. Then, also, there was a communion-table, 
very suitable and in sight of the whole congregation. Since, 
I have seen instead an edifice, like a Popish altar, above a 
flight of many steps, very inconvenient for ministrations at 
the Lord's table ; and there were too evidently indications 
of idolatrous reverence paid to it. I saw also a picture 
standing at the back of the altar, such as the Papists avow- 
edly and very much worship. Pictures were introduced 
into Churches about the 7th and 8th centuries. The more 
pious Christians opposed it strenuously, and foretold, what 
soon happened, that they would be worshiped. Before the 
Madonna, and on what should be the communion-table, I 
saw flowers strewn ; — and there too stood candles in the 
day time : whether they are ever lighted in the day time, 
I did not inquire. These, too, are among c the superstitious 
fooleries of the dark ages.' Formerly, the railing of the 
chancel was clear for many to kneel at communion and 
confirmation ; but, in my last visit it was exceedingly en- 
cumbered. The stool, or place for the minister in preaching, 
is far the most awkward and inconvenient that I ever be- 
held. That, and something like a reading-desk, and a 



444 MEMOIR, &C 



bridge or platform, leading from the chancel to a place 
where baptism was performed, occupied so much of the 
chancel that (I confidently repeat,) ' the convenience for ad- 
ministering confirmation and the other Christian ordinances 
is very much diminished.' 

" Your minister wore such a dress as I had never before 
seen ; and some of the trappings and other parade, I have 
reason to believe, were omitted on that occasion. But I saw 
enough to justify, in my own mind, what I have said on the 
subject. And never before did I see a minister go without 
the railings of the chancel to administer baptism. 

" Now, all these changes and, what to me are, ' derange- 
ments,' do, actually and in fact, ' render the whole more 
conformable to' (what almost all Protestants deem) c the 
superstitious fooleries of (what are usually called) ( the dark 
ages of the Church.' But, if I am to understand you, gen- 
tlemen, as saying that these changes were not made in com- 
pliance with the wishes of Mr. , and that, in making 

them, you had no intention ' of rendering the whole more 
conformable' to what was practiced in the Romish Church 
from the 8th century to the Reformation, then I am bound to 
believe, and shall be ready to acknowledge, that, in regard 
to the intention, I was mistaken. But that such a coinci- 
dence should have been wnintentional is a wonder indeed." 

After this view of the case, to which the strictures in the 
Addresses applied, (and it is well understood that the view 
even falls within the limits of the innovations actually made,) 
it is not difficult to see that there was abundant ground for 
the Bishop's animadversions. The reason, why he chose to 
treat the case in this official way, and not by earlier and 
private admonition, is evident. The young clergyman in 
Deacon's orders, under whose ministry these changes were 
taking place, belonged not to Bishop Griswold's jurisdiction. 
He had not transferred, nor by any considerations, which 
were presented to him, could he be induced to transfer, his 
canonical residence from the Diocese, to which he belonged, 
to that, in which, for so long a time, he had been laboring as 
the regularly employed minister of a parish. Not withstand- 



CONVENTION OF 1842. 445 

ing his position, there, was in contravention of one of our 
Canons, he still held that position, and, while amenable only 
to another Bishop, persisted in carrying out his views and 
effectuating his changes in one of the parishes of Bishop 
Griswold's Diocese. For a long time, the Bishop forebore 
official notice ; doubtless, in the hope, either that the young 
minister would, at length, transfer his canonical residence, 
and thus become, like his other clergy, amenable to himself; 
or that the force of public opinion would induce him to con- 
form to general usage, and thus render any notice of the 
case unnecessary. But, when he found all hope disappoint- 
ed, and the increasing innovations, adopted, rendering the 
case an offence to almost every portion of the Diocese, he 
forebore no longer ; and as the young minister chose to 
render no account of his matters to the Bishop, in whose 
Diocese he was laboring, so the Bishop chose to admin- 
ister reproof in his own form and manner, without ask- 
ing the subject of it how he would like the application. 
The idea, thrown out in the letter of the Committee, that 
the publicity, which the Bishop thus gave to the case, was 
" affixing a stigma, in some degree, upon the whole" 
Church, was not calculated to affect very deeply his mind. 
If there were a serious disease in any part of the body, he 
was not the physician, who would keep it concealed till it 
became incurable. He thought it better to uncover, and 
probe, and if possible effect a timely cure of the evil. And 
the publicity, which has already been given to the case, 
must be, in part, my apology for recording it in the present 
work. While I have felt it due to the Bishop to give his 
own defence of his course, I have felt the more free in 
doing so from the fact, that that publicity is not, by this re- 
cord, in reality increased. 

We are now among the latest official acts in the life of 
the revered subject of these memoirs. The Convention of 
the Eastern Diocese in Charlestown, at which he delivered 
the Address, last quoted, was the latest, which he ever at- 
tended ; and probably it was the happiest, at which he 

pp 



446 MEMOIR, &C. 

was ever present. The period, to which I formerly advert- 
ed, had arrived ; the period, when the fires of disunion, so 
far at least as any visible manifestation was concerned, had 
burnt out, and when a sweet and sacred calm seemed 
spread, almost every where, over the face of things under 
his charge. His parishes were almost all prosperous ; and 
with but here and there an unimportant exception, every 
thing conspired to draw all hearts towards each other, as 
though a gracious spirit had been, in uncommon measure, 
poured forth upon all. This state of things he hailed as a 
blessed harbinger of coming good to his beloved flock, 
amidst the dangers, which were besetting the Church at 
large, from those extensive inroads of error, to which he 
could not close his eye. It was but natural, therefore, that 
he should allude, in his Address, to what was so peculiarly 
gratifying to his feelings, both as a Christian and as a 
Bishop. 

" In viewing the state of our Churches," says he, " there 
are several things, which rejoice my heart, and increase, I 
trust, my thankfulness to God. One is, that our parishes 
are now nearly all supplied, and, we may believe, well 
supplied, with officiating ministers. Another, and a very 
pleasing circumstance, is the spirit of love, and harmony, 
and brotherly kindness, which so happily prevails, and 
seems to increase, among the clergy of this Diocese. And, 
I may add, that, so far as I can judge, our clergy are be- 
coming more and more convinced of the importance of 
preaching the doctrines of the Cross, and the evangelical 
truths of God's holy Word. It seems to be a confirmation 
of the words of the prophet Isaiah : c When the enemy 
shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift 
up a standard against him.' The faithful preaching of 
Christ is a standard, and the only standard, that is sufficient 
to repel every spiritual foe, and l to quench all the fiery 
darts of the wicked.' " 

After going through with the ordinary enumeration of 
Episcopal duties during the year, which was ending, he 
particularized, near the close of his Address, several ex- 



ELECTION OF ASSISTANT BISHOP. 447 

tremely interesting and important topics, upon which it had 
been his intention to enlarge, but which the length, already 
reached by his remarks, compelled him to pass with a mere 
mention ; and then, as though God were preparing him, by 
an unseen influence, to say his last words aright, he added, 
standing amidst the future work, which he had laid out for 
himself; — c Perhaps time and opportunity may hereafter be 
given me to address you on these subjects ; if not, the 
Lord's will be done.' 

But, one of the most cheering incidents, which he had to 
lay before this Convention, and that, with a record of which 
he brought his Address to a close, was, the very recent, 
and most harmonious election, by the Convention of Mas- 
sachusetts, of an assistant Bishop. Measures, preparatory to 
this election, had, for some months, been in train. And 
now they had just been brought to a happy issue. The 
Massachusetts Convention closed its session the day before 
that, on which he was then speaking ; and the Address, 
which he delivered to that body, had come over the minds 
of his clergy almost like a Pentecostal spirit of grace. It 
ought to be inserted here in full, and should be, had not 
these memoirs been already extended much beyond their 
originally contemplated limits. For the present, it must be 
sufficient to refer the reader to the whole Journal of that 
special Convention, before which this document was de- 
livered, as the best means of setting him feelingly amidst 
the happy influences, which presided over those important 
doings of our Massachusetts Church. As a valuable sub- 
stitute, however, for his Address before that body, I add, 
here, the brief closing paragraph, to which I have already 
adverted, in his Address, of the next day, before the Con- 
vention of the Eastern Diocese in Charlestown ; — the last 
words, which he ever uttered to the assembled body of his 
clergy and laity : — 

" Yesterday, as you all, no doubt, well know, the State 
Convention of Massachusetts had a special session in 
Trinity Church, Boston, for the very important purpose of 
electing one to be an assistant Bishop in that State. And 



448 MEMOIR, &C. 

if any thing can cause us to thank God and take courage, 
His merciful goodness, vouchsafed to us on the occasion, 
must have that effect. Though Christian love and brotherly 
affection have been so remarkable, and, for years so evident- 
ly increasing among us, yet, on an occasion so very inte- 
resting to all and so exciting, it was reasonable to appre- 
hend some conflict of opinions and diversity of judgment. 
Who, then, does not perceive the hand of God, and his 
answer to our united prayers, in the perfect union, and 
wonderful harmony, which, through the whole transaction, 
prevailed ? Such entire unanimity, on a like occasion, has 
never, we may venture to say, been before witnessed in our 
country. It is most comforting proof that the Spirit, which 
was in our Saviour Christ, is with us ; and may He give us 
all grace thankfully to cherish it. 

" The person elected, you also know, is, the Rev. Man- 
ton Eastburn, D. D., of New York. And a call, in which 
the hand of an overruling Providence is so visible, he will, 
we trust, think it his duty to accept. May the Lord give 
us hearts to be duly thankful for all His mercies, and grace 
to show our thankfulness, by making a right use of them." 

The importance of the event, here recorded, can 
scarcely be appreciated, save by those, who are familiar 
with what may be termed the domestic history of our 
Church in Massachusetts. This importance arises not only 
from the fact, that the election took place while Bishop Gris- 
wold was living, and while his heart's long continued prayers 
were receiving their answer, in the restored reign of almost 
perfect harmony ; but also from the additional fact, that it 
was made with the understanding that, the moment Dr. 
Eastburn signified his acceptance of the Bishopric, and the 
event of his consecration was rendered certain, Trinity 
Church, Boston, stood ready to elect him their Rector. The 
circumstance, that this ancient and noble parish were, 
through their Vestry, Trustees of a fund for the support of 
an assistant minister, had long made it evident, that the 
future Bishop of Massachusetts ought to be also Rector of 
Trinity Church ; at least until such time as the Episcopal 



IMPORTANCE OF THIS ELECTION. 449 

Fund, in that State, should become sufficient for the sup- 
port of a Bishop without the aid of a parish salary. In 
their previous elections of a Rector, therefore, it was ever a 
question of the highest importance, — whether they distinctly 
proposed this question to themselves, or not ; — " Can the 
man of our choice be also elected Bishop of the Church in 
Massachusetts, without running the hazard of an ecclesiasti- 
cal convulsion?" Hence, after the origin of the Eastern 
Diocese, every election of a Rector for that parish, in which 
this question could not be answered in the affirmative, had 
been followed, sooner or later, by excitement. The very 
fact, too, that any clergyman accepted that Rectorship with 
a supposed view to the future Bishopric of Massachusetts, 
rendered the tendency to excitement, and the danger of it, 
still more intense. But, the aspect of the question was 
essentially changed with a change in its order. When it 
came to be inquired ; " Will the Bishop, whom we of the 
Diocese may elect, be acceptable, as a Rector, to Trinity 
Church?" — it cast no odium, by anticipation, on the can- 
didate in view. So soon, therefore, as it was ascertained, 
that the election of Dr. Eastburn, as Bishop, would insure 
his election, as Rector also, every element in the Diocese 
settled down into profound harmony and satisfaction ; and 
out of the stillness went up a thousand thanksgivings to God 
for so graciously inclining the hearts of all, and especially of 
the parish concerned, in favor of one so worthy of the two- 
fold place, which awaited him. 

While matters were in train preparatory to the consecra- 
tion of Dr. Eastburn, Bishop Griswold was solicited, and 
very cheerfully yielded to the solicitation, to visit Richmond, 
Virginia, for the purpose of presiding at the consecration of 
Dr. Johns, who had, the previous spring, been elected as- 
sistant Bishop in that Diocese. When Bishop Gadsden, of 
South Carolina, was consecrated in the summer of 1840, 
the season being unfavorable to a visit so far South as 
Charleston, the candidate journeyed to Boston, and his con- 
secration took place in Trinity Church. But now, the sea- 
son being favorable to a southern journey, Bishop Griswold, 



450 MEMOIR, &C. 

although conscious, by monitions -within, of his special lia- 
bility to sudden death, yet felt pleasure in yielding to the 
strong wish, which was expressed, that the consecration of 
Dr. Johns might take place in the city of his future resi- 
dence. This wish was not indeed, unreasonably urged. 
Says the good Bishop Meade, (as whose assistant Dr. Johns 
had been elected,) in one of his letters on the occasion ; — 
" Much gratified as we all would certainly be to have you 
with us on the interesting occasion mentioned in our corres- 
pondence, yet we certainly would not wish it, if it is to be 
a source of risk or pain to you. Much rather, I am sure, 
would we all come to you ; although it would be gratifying 
to many in Virginia to have the consecration in Richmond. 
Still, however, we will cherish the hope that God may 
strengthen you, so that you may perform the journey with- 
out injury." * * * * "I can truly sym- 
pathize with you in the infirmity, of which you complain ; 
as it is the same, which afflicts myself, and makes me to 
feel that c in the midst of life, I am in death.' " 

Thus kindly and considerately solicited, he with readiness 
complied ; feeling that he was in God's hands ; and that, 
if sudden death were appointed him, it was a question of 
small moment where it happened, — so be that it found him 
ready and in the midst of duty. As it fell out, his journey 
was without injury, though not without accident. On his 
way, and while in the cars for New York, he was dexte- 
rously robbed of his pocket-book and money ; and, on his 
return, was tediously detained in that city by his required 
attendance at Court, and in a vain endeavor to bring to jus- 
tice the detected perpetrator of the theft. He recovered 
the money, of which he had been pilfered ; but, through 
the arts of cunning roguery, the pilferer escaped the retri- 
bution, which he deserved. 

The consecration of Dr. Johns took place on the 13th of 
October, 1842, and in "the Monumental Church" in Rich- 
mond. It was a solemn scene. On the spot, where once 
the merciless flames devoured the thronged attendants of the 
Theatre, now stood the consecrated house of prayer; and, 



MEASURES FOR DR. EASTBURN's CONSECRATION. 451 

in that house, stood holy men, commissioning one of the 
chief ministers of the Lord of life ; and, as they imposed the 
ordaining hand, two of them, at least, felt that, even under 
the shelter of that fane, they were, in a special sense, but in 
the midst of death. 

The arrangements preparatory to the consecration of Dr. 
Eastbum being now complete, that last ordaining act in the 
life of Bishop Griswold took place on the 29th of December, 
1842, and in Trinity Church, Boston. That, also, was a 
solemn scene. But, its deep interest sprung from different 
causes. To feel, as multitudes felt on that high day to our 
Massachusetts Church, we must take a glance at what, for 
many years, had been transpiring. 

"When Bishop Griswold entered on his duties, as ecclesi- 
astical head of the Eastern Diocese, difficulties, as we have 
seen, of various name, thronged his way into the future. 
These difficulties, as we have also seen, continued to meet 
him, in some of their ever changing forms, till almost the 
last day of his life. And yet, such had proved the strength 
and firmness of his character, the high consistency and 
blamelessness of his life, the sweet peacefulness and concilia- 
tory tone of his counsels, the unquestionable piety of his 
heart, and the unimpeachable orthodoxy of his doctrines, 
that, from the beginning to the close of his Episcopate, the 
Church, on the whole, amidst many dark days, indeed, was 
always prosperous under his care ; growing quietly in num- 
bers and in spirituality, and gaining steadily, especially 
towards the close, both in union and in resources. Before 
him, hostile prejudice stood self- disarmed ; and in him, the 
sons of the Pilgrims learned to respect, and, in the case of 
very many, to love, the Church, against which their fathers 
had reared the standard of unyielding opposition. 

For some time before the period, which we have now 
reached, the main source of anxiety to him lay, in the un- 
usually uncertain tenure, by which he held his mortal life ; an 
uncertainty, growing out of a disease of the heart ; consist- 
ent, it is true, with ordinarily great strength and comfort of 
body, yet suggesting the constant apprehension of sudden 



452 MEMOIR, &C. 

death. This apprehension distressed him, not because he 
feared to die, (for, in this, respect, he stood continually on 
the "watch" and in " readiness to depart,") but,— because, 
in case of his sudden decease, the Church of his affections 
and his care, might become distracted in the choice of his 
successor, and thus the ripening fruits of his toils and his 
prayers, take detriment. All other sources of trial, peculiar 
to his own Diocese, had, at length, disappeared ; and his 
way lay, otherwise, smooth before him on his descent to the 
resting-place of the faithful. But this circumstance con- 
tinued to give him sensible disquiet, and mingled whatever 
of bitterness he tasted in the residuum of his life. 

Even this, however, was now kindly removed ; and thus 
the peacefulness of his evening days was left complete. The 
little band of clergy, whom he found, sixteen in number, 
and thinly scattered over almost the whole of New England, 
with scarce strength to stand erect under the pressure of 
their difficulties, had been multiplied to more than an 
hundred, confident in the esteem of a multitude of hearts, 
and strong in the resources of thousands of hands. And 
now, as one of the latest smiles on him of approving heaven, 
their main body in Massachusetts were found ready to unite, 
with one heart, upon one man, whom he might set over 
them in the Lord, and to whom, after his departure, they 
might look, as the object of their one choice, and of their 
many prayers, to go before them, under God's guidance, in 
the Church, and to carry forward, by God's help, the great 
good work of his life. 

In this graciously ordered result, the aged Bishop found 
rest indeed; and the day, when, with the Bishops, who 
joined him, he consecrated his successor in Massachusetts, 
was to him the beginning of his best days of earthly peace. 
So far as we may speak thus of human lot, he then began to 
walk joyfully, and with unmingled satisfaction, amidst his 
great household of spiritual children, and on through the 
still bright shadows of his eventide. 

Such were the circumstances, which, drawing their power 
from the depths of thirty-two past years, conspired to in- 



BISHOP GRISWOLD STILL LABORS. 453 

crease the interest of the scene, which presented itself in 
Trinity Church, Boston, on the 29th of December, 1842. 
His own clergy, and others from different States, were there 
in long array. The spacious Church was crowded with many 
of the elite of intelligent New England. And amidst the 
whole stood the aged man ; his form still erect ; his head 
white with the snows of almost four score years ; and his 
face, lifted towards heaven, overspread with the radiance of 
a holy smile. Nor were there any present, (familiar with the 
inner secret of that smile,) who failed to sympathise with 
him in the high experience of that hour. To multitudes, the 
scene and the emotion, which it awakened, are still vividly 
present. They still see the venerable Bishop, as he stood 
before thousands in the house of prayer, and as, amidst 
solemn rite and sublime ceremonial, he laid his aged hands 
on the head of one, whom his sons in the Church had bidden 
among them, to be their future shepherd under Christ. They 
hear him yet, as he lifted his trembling voice in accompany- 
ing prayer for the Spirit of Grace to descend on the bending 
subject of his intercessions, and endow him richly for his 
high and holy work. And then, as the rite was done, amidst 
solemn bursts of harmony and the closing seal of Sacrament, 
they see him still, as he went his way with thankful heart, 
blessing God for His goodness, and rejoicing that, at length, 
the Lord was with them, of a truth, in the counsels of peace, 
in the power of unity, and in the fulness of the Gospel. 

But, although Bishop Griswold was thus relieved of the 
last source of anxiety, so far as his own Diocese was con- 
cerned, and in a way, which furnished him with a compara- 
tively youthful and a well-furnished assistant in his labors ; 
yet it must not be inferred that he sunk into indifference to 
the general welfare of the Church, or even into inactivity in 
that portion of it, over which he had so long watched. 

In regard to the latter, (his own Diocese,) his favorite 
Scriptural motto, " we will give ourselves continually to prayer 
and the ministry of the word ;" together with his emphatic 
quotation from Jewel, " A Bishop shall die preaching ; still 
governed his actions ; and he went about as usual, doing 



454 MEMOIR, &C. 

the work of an Evangelist, and strengthening the Churches, 
insomuch that, in little or nothing, were his customary activi- 
ties diminished. The secret monition within, it is true, 
made him walk thoughtfully ; but to common observation 
without, he appeared to walk firmly. His figure was as 
erect as ever ; his limbs were remarkably vigorous ; and his 
general health seemed to be even better than usual. He 
was, in fact, the laborious Bishop still, abounding in 
thoughts, prayers and labors for the spiritual welfare of his 
charge. 

And, in regard to the former, (the general welfare of the 
Church,) he felt, as he had for some time been feeling, even 
increasing solicitude. After what has already been written, it 
is almost needless to add here, that Bishop Griswold was too 
thoroughly a Protestant to look, without growing apprehen- 
sion, upon the theological tendencies of certain portions of 
our Church, both in England and in America. He had been 
too good a student of the Bible, and, it may be added, of 
antiquity too, to feel a moment's hesitation on the question, 
what stand he ought to take in a controversy so pregnant 
with influences on our future religious and ecclesiastical 
destiny ? He descried our coming dangers in this contro- 
versy more clearly than the mass of his own clergy and peo- 
ple ; or than the mass of our clergy and people in general. 
To some, he even seemed, in the course, which he took, if 
not a false prophet of evil days, at least needlessly alarmed 
at the approach of perils, which probably looked much 
bigger in their shadows, as they fell forward on the imagina- 
tion, than they would prove in their substance, when they 
should come to be handled in experience. He was evident- 
ly somewhat disappointed at the immediate result of a course 
of labors, in which he had felt it his duty to engage, and 
which he did but close, on what proved one of the last days 
of his life. For a long time, he had been addressing, 
through the columns of " the Christian Witness and Church 
Advocate," a series of Pastoral Letters to his clergy and 
people on a variety of important topics. But, at length, the 
progress of the Oxford Tract movement induced him to con- 



the bishop's protestantism. 455 

fine himself to one subject, that of the Protestant Reformation* 
On this, he was for many months engaged in writing that 
valuable series of essays, which have since been collected 
and republished, in a large Tract, by Mr. Dow, of Boston. 
By this series, without directly entering the lists with the 
Tract writers, he still hoped to awaken apprehension of the 
dangerous tendency of their writings, and to furnish the 
means of counteracting that tendency, both in his own Dio- 
cese and in other parts. The immediate effect of his writings, 
as I have remarked, appeared to disappoint him. He saw 
the tendency in question, and the danger of that tendency, 
most plainly ; and so deeply did the sight affect his own 
mind, that he looked for stronger and quicker sympathy in 
his views from others than he actually received. There were 
quarters, it is true, in which his writings were duly appre- 
ciated, and where they excited a deep interest. But, in 
general, what he wrote evidently met with the feeling, to 
which I have adverted, an unwillingness to see and feel the 
reality of the peril, against which he sought to warn the 
Church. He wrote, however, for a day, which he lived not 
to see. Facts are already investing his tract on the Refor- 
mation with its true importance ; and shewing that, as he 
looked into the future, he looked, not with the eye of false 
alarm, but with the vision of a clear and deep foresight- 
This is a Tract of uncommon value. From notes, left in my 
possession, it is manifest that, though the volume, in its col- 
lected form, is but small, it was yet the result of very varied, 
minute and careful reading. Small though it be, it is never- 
theless a rich storehouse of facts, and of arguments on the 
vastly important subject of which it treats. It is not a history 
of the Reformation ; but a summary of reasons for the Refor- 
mation ; and such a summary as few minds but that of its 
author could have produced, whether we regard the appro- 
priateness of its style, or the luminousness of its point ; the 
fertile range of topics, or the wondrous power of condensa- 
ti on, which it exhibits. 

This little book brings out an interesting feature in Bishop 
Griswold's religious character and views. While he loved 



456 MEMOIR, &C. 

the Church as truly Catholic, it may be said he loved her 
most for that great principle, on which, under Protestant 
auspices, she based herself at the Reformation ; the sufficiency 
of the Holy Scriptures, as the sole rule of faith, and the only 
infallible guide in practice, to every man that honestly and 
earnestly seeks for the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus. 

He often urged the study of the Bible upon every man, 
as being full of the Spirit of God ; as evincing their own 
sufficiency, through the teachings of that Spirit, to guide the 
inquiring mind to the Saviour ; and as demonstrating thus its 
Divine Author's intention, that it should be put, unsealed, 
into the hands of every one, — His own rich, free gift to the 
world. He held that these inspired Scriptures were God's 
storehouse of spiritual food for the life and health of the hu- 
man family ; and, like our ordinary food, to be kept accessi- 
ble to every human soul. He rejected the dogma of an in- 
spired Oral Tradition, co-ordinate in authority with the 
written Word, necessary to the true interpretation of that 
Word, and of right binding its interpretation on the con- 
science of every member of the Church. He did not, indeed, 
reject aids to the interpretation of the Bible, whether those 
aids were ancient or modern ; but, he did refuse to consider 
any thing necessary as its infallible interpreter, save its own 
self-interpreting light, and the teachings of that Holy One, 
by whom it was dictated. He taught that the Bible alone, 
of all things now accessible, " is given by inspiration of 
God ;" that its curses lie on every one, who adds to it, or 
takes from it ; and that, when read by the honest mind, 
with the prayer of a devout heart, it is, in itself and to the 
full of all human needs, "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, 
for correction and for instruction in righteousness ; that the 
man of God," be he preacher, or be he reader, " may be 
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 

Taking this view, as fundamental to the true system of 
Theology, as going before all right views of particular doc- 
trines, he held it at the opening of his ministry, and on 
through all his subsequent ministrations. And yet, towards 
the close of his labors, he gave it even a marked prominence. 



CLOSING VIEW. 457 

When he saw the Church of his affections, in this country 
as well as in England, drawn into peril by the labors of a 
School, who were avowedly seeking to un-protestantize her, 
by leading her back, through the labyrinth of Tradition, first, 
to sacramental justification ; then to the miracle-working 
powers of a sacrificing priesthood ; and finally, to other pro- 
digies of a night of superstition : when he contemplated 
changes, like these, the effect of which, when reached, will 
be, to put Christ once more into awful distance, instead of 
keeping him near, the loved friend, the only, the unassocia- 
ted Saviour of the lost ; and, at length, to conceal him again, 
as to all practical purposes, behind a dense cloud of saints 
canonized by man, of shrines glittering with the offerings of 
wealth, or of shews awful amidst the display of pomp : when 
he looked upon a system, which, in its fuller developments, 
does little more than make the Church one of the kingdoms 
of this world ; while it leaves the sinner to perish in his 
blindness, hugging a delusion, yet thinking it salvation : 
when he saw the fruits of the Reformation put amidst the 
peril of a return even towards such a system as this, unsavory 
to his tastes as was the work of controversy, he hesitated not 
to step forth in the service of our Church, and, as one of her 
chief ministers, to do what he could for her safety. Though, 
when he begun the series of essays, to which I have referred, 
he had many other things in hand, yet, ere he finished it, it 
became his last work: and well did he achieve the task, 
which it imposed. His tract on the Reformation, written in 
his own clear style, full of the light of the Bible, and evinc- 
ing the yet undimmed powers of his mind, demonstrates 
irrefutably the necessity and the glory of the great Reforma- 
tion ; and shews incontestibly that our Church can never 
recede from the stand, which at that period, she assumed, 
without proving at once false to herself and faithless to her 
Saviour. 

In these labors, not a few watched his course with the 
deepest interest. And even now, it is a stirring sight, to 
look back and see the aged watchman, as he stood at his 
post, and descried the danger, which was beginning to lower 



458 MEMOIR, &C. 

heavily over our Zion ; and to observe how, with a firm and 
vigorous hand, he seized his heavenly armor ; put it on like 
a true and thoroughly furnished man of God ; walked valiant- 
ly forth to the support of a periled cause ; stood firmly and 
contended manfully, by the side of her, whom he loved ; and 
finally finished his course, defending the Protestantism of the 
Church, and the Bible on which it is based, in an age, when 
faith once more verges so strongly towards superstition, and 
taste runs again so eagerly after ceremony ! 

With this last labor of Bishop Griswold, the Eastern Dio- 
cese ceased to be ; leaving its name only and its history, in- 
separably blended with those of the man, with whose Epis- 
copate they began, continued, and ended. When his work 
was done, the niche of this Diocese in our ecclesiastical 
temple was filled. Its purpose being served, nothing re- 
mains but the fruits, which it has borne, and the lessons, 
which it has taught. As a mother of Dioceses, its name 
will be honored, and its monument be hung, with ever fresh 
memorials. And as a nurse of sound Episcopal principles 
and of true evangelical doctrines, its influence will be felt 
with a salutary power, over wide regions of earth, and 
through long tracts of time. It has furnished incidents, which 
have helped to shape or to fix both our canon law and our 
ecclesiastical polity ; and it has probably solved, in its course, 
one of the great problems, which arose, almost necessarily, 
out of the early weakness of our Church after the war of the 
Revolution, and out of our geographical divisions, as drawn 
under Colonial and settled under State organizations. It is 
not likely, after the experience of the Eastern Diocese, as 
unfolded in the sketch, which is now closed, that any further 
attempt will be made at the organization of a complex Dio- 
cese. However necessary that union may have appeared, 
at the time when its constitution was adopted, facts have 
demonstrated, that its organization was, at best, but a 
necessary evil; while, at the same time, they have led to 
the discovery and adoption of other modes of fostering our 
Institutions, both in the weakness of their infancy, and in 
the sparseness of their materials. The Missionary Bishop 



CLOSING VIEW. 459 

and the Missionary Diocese have arisen ; and under their 
manifest advantages, it may be considered certain, that the 
pattern set us in the early East, when our experience was 
young, will never be copied, either in the great West, or in 
those broad westerly realms, with which, as with wings, 
our country lies out-spread, both towards the North and 
towards the South. 



460 MEMOIR OF THE 



EXTRACTS, &C., FROM PRIVATE JOURNALS, AND FROM PRIVATE LETTERS, DURING 
THE EPISCOPATE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 

The plan of these memoirs, thus far, has been, to give the 
early private life and character of their subject ; to trace the 
development of his religious views in his earliest ministerial 
labors and successes, till the period of his consecration to the 
Episcopate of the Eastern Diocese ; and then, dropping the 
thread of what was mainly private and personal, to give an 
account of the organization of that Diocese ; to exhibit its 
own true genius and the real position of its Bishop, in rela- 
tion to other Dioceses and to other Bishops ; and finally, to 
sketch, in its principal incidents, a history both of the Dio- 
cese itself and of the public life of Bishop Griswold, as there- 
with connected. 

Having accomplished this last part of my design, I feel 
that the work would be incomplete were I not now to go 
back, and, taking up the thread, which has been dropped, to 
follow it to its end, as it runs through the more private life of 
this beloved man of God. 

In thus going back, however, I find that the thread which 
I have to resume, divides itself into three strands. The first 
runs, in numerous circlings, through his large Diocese, and 
shews us who it was, that was journeying, and with what 
feelings he journeyed, for so many years, over mountain and 
valley, through floods and tempests, in health and sickness, 
in the vigor of firm manhood, and under the burthens of 
growing age. The second runs through his parish ministry, 
so far as that ministry falls within his Episcopal life ; and 
shews us what he did in these more retired labors of his 
course, and what tokens he had from God that his labors 
were not in vain. And the third runs through his family ; 
and shews us how he daily walked with God, and through 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 461 

what scenes, unlooked-on of the world, God led him home 
to Himself. 

In entering on this part of the work, it is evident that the 
best materials for it will be found in the Bishop's private 
journals and correspondence. Of the former, unhappily, but 
few remain, and these few but in fragments. Of their value, 
could they be all recovered, we may judge from the follow- 
ing, which I find on a loose slip of paper among his 
writings : 

" Dr. Johnson says that he had attempted, twelve or four- 
teen times, to keep a journal of his life, but could never per- 
severe. I can say the same of myself. I have attempted it 
more than twelve or fourteen times. We have many 
thoughts, which we never publish, never communicate in 
conversation, which might afterwards be useful, at least to 
ourselves, but which, if not written, are soon lost. Many 
things also, very interesting at the time, are, if not recorded, 
forgotten ; which, if remembered, would in after life be very 
pleasing, if not useful. 

"The great thing to be recorded" (says Dr. J.) "is the 
state of your own mind. You should write down every 
thing that you remember ; for you cannot judge what is good, 
or bad ; and write it immediately while the impression is 
fresh, for it will not be the same a week afterwards." 

" My journals have been almost wholly lost, or destroyed. 
From the few, which remain, the following is extracted." 

The above seems to have been intended as a sort of pre- 
face to an attempt to preserve the most valuable portions of 
the Journals, which still remained in the Bishop's possession. 
Of even his extracts, however, I have been able to find noth- 
ing. I have, nevertheless, recovered some fragments of old 
journals, which he had either given away, or supposed to be 
lost ; and from these shall be able very much to enrich the 
following pages. From these, even, we shall be able to 
judge what a treasure we should have had, could the whole 
have been preserved. A few of his numerous private letters, 
also, have been kindly furnished me ; and from these still 
further additions will be made to the interest of the remain- 



462 MEMOIR OF THE 

ing portion of his memoir. The extracts, which I am to 
give, will not, of course, furnish a connected series of facts, 
or events ; but they will reveal feelings, which were evident- 
ly habitual, and which the good man carried with him, 
wherever he went, through his Diocese, his parish, and his 
home. We are to follow him, first, through his Diocese. 

What his private life must have been, after the period of 
his consecration, we have already seen, by no questionable 
signs, as we passed over the series of public events, in which 
he was engaged. We are now, however, to take a nearer, 
a more distinct, and a more prolonged view of his inner 
man. The earliest recovered fragment, from which I am 
able to quote, dates in 1818, seven years after his consecration. 

"June 23d. Journeyed to Boston, with a view to many 
important duties. But, except the Lord build the house, we 
labor in vain." 

"August 25th. They who write an account of their own 
lives, may learn from the history their own worthlessness, 
and to how little purpose they live. How should it humble 
us ! ' Pride was not made for man.' A month has now 
passed away, and how few of its incidents are worth record- 
ing! Thy mercies, Lord, are ever worthy of record. 
1 They are new every morning.' Their number, and their 
richness surpass 6 the power of language, speech and thought.' 
Preparing for a journey ; but how negligent and unprepared 
for a journey, from which there is no return !" 

" August 30th. I am now on another tour through this 
Diocese. But how insufficient for the momentous duties, 
how unworthy the most solemn and interesting administra- 
tions, to which I am called ! We can do all things, Christ 
helping us. May thy help, blessed Lord, be my hope and 
my comfort. May thy grace attend the means, and thy 
mercy forgive the unworthiness of him, who is appointed to 
administer them." 

This tour evidently lay through those parts of Rhode 
Island and Massachusetts, which border on Connecticut; 
and he diverged from it, so far as to visit Simsbury : for his 
next entry, three days later, is as follows : 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 463 

" September 2d. Visited the place of my nativity. Here 
were the scenes of my youthful vanities, of my early studies, 
and of my first religious hopes. Here rest the bones of my 
ancestors. Here I meet with the surviving remnant of my 
youthful associates. A remnant, alas ! how small ! Where, 

now, are , and , and ? Where, now, is ? 

I have come to visit a sick mother. What reflections stir, 
on the decay, the infirmities, of a relation so near, so interest- 
ing ! The few, whom I meet, of my former friends, how 
changed from what they were ! how cheering the hope, 
that there is a world, which will not decay ! that this corrup- 
tible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal be clothed 
with immortality !" 

" September 3d. This day I am to meet with a few of my 
once youthful acquaintance ; to preach to them, and to pray 
with them. What pensive thoughts, what pleasing melan- 
choly, fill my soul ! No power of language can express the 
reflections, which agitate my mind. Lord ! is there not 
too much of the world in this ? Is there not too little trust, 
too little hope in thee ? Forgetting the things that are be- 
hind, may I press forward to the things that are before. 
What fruit have I in those things, whereof I am now ashamed ? 
For the end of too many of those things is death." 

In the year 1819, he had occasion to journey to Brooklyn, 
Connecticut. Upon this journey he makes the following 
note: 

" August 19th. Went to Brooklyn, Ct., and returned the 
21st. In this short journey, which proved unusually fatigu- 
ing, and was attended with some disappointments and mourn- 
ful reflections, was called to think deeply on the evils of life, 
and resolved to hope less than ever from its joys. Looked 
with deep humiliation to Him, who can give songs of joy in 
the darkest night of sorrow." 

This same month he started on one of his northern tours. 
The following are extracts from the journal then kept : 

" August 30th. Commenced another tour. Health ill. 
Prospect discouraging. Mournful tidings of several valua- 
ble friends, and very useful, promising clergy, declining in 



464 MEMOIR OF THE 

health. O Lord, how deep are the counsels of thy Provi- 
dence ! How often, how continually, are we admonished to 
trust in none but Thee !" 

" September 2d, Providence, R. I. Ordination of three to 
the order of Deacons, and of two to the order of the Priest- 
hood. How interesting the ceremony ! The Lord be praised 
that laborers are still sent into his vineyard ; that so many 
are added to the work of the ministry. May the Spirit of 
the Lord be with them, and strengthen their hands to war, 
and their fingers to fight. May the Word spoken by their 
mouth never be spoken in vain." 

" September 4th. Assisted in the interesting ceremony 
of laying the corner-stone of St. Paul's Church in Boston. 
Interesting, indeed, to the pious, reflecting mind ! Who 
knoweth, O Lord, but Thyself, through what successive 
years and generations, Thy Word and Thy mercies shall be 
here dispensed ? What souls may be awakened to right- 
eousness in this happy Bethel ! What thousands may here 
be strengthened with the bread of life ! What gracious 
seals of God's mercy, and what memorials of his love, may 
here be vouchsafed ! Prosper, Lord, our work ; prosper 
thou our handy-work. 55 

" September 6th. To Concord, N. H. Weather hot. 
Health worse. Alarming symptoms of decline. Yet why 
should death alarm ? O thou good and gracious God and 
Saviour, shalt thou call us to Thyself, and we be un- 
ready?" 

7th. After preaching to a small congregation, and com- 
forting himself with the promise made to " two or three 
gathered in the name of Christ," he adds;- — " Health still 
worse, and life doubtful : but Thy promise, Lord, is sure, 
and Thy mercy endureth forever. May I say with the 
Apostle ; — ' To live is Christ, and to die is gain.' " 

" 8th — 10th. Journey to Holderness, and back. Health 
better. God be praised. If my life is to be prolonged, 
may it not be useless. While I live, Lord, may I live 
to Thee." 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 465 

"11th — 13th. Weather fine. Health improving, and 
all the faster for the kindness of friends." 

This tour ended in time for his Address to the Conven- 
tion of 1819. It appears from other records that it was a 
journey prosecuted at the imminent peril of his life. 

In May, 1821, he entered on one of his long, and, as it 
proved, one of his most interesting tours. It was that, 
during which he held the services in the " Maple grove" 
at Berkshire, on the northern lines of Vermont, of which 
he gave such a graphic description in the letter, formerly in- 
serted, to one of his Bristol correspondents. His journal 
will furnish us with several additional extracts, illustrative, 
not only of his habits of daily communion with God, but 
also of his lively sensibility to the beauties and the grandeur 
of nature. 

" Monday, 28th May, 1821. Went to Providence in the 
stage : the weather fine, and the season promising. How 
abundant are God's mercies, both temporal and spiritual ! 
Wherever the eye is turned, His goodness smiles. But 
how ungratefully do I partake of His goodness ! Amidst 
His mercies and the comforts of His salvation, why is the 
mind sometimes sad, and the heart faint ? c Why art thou 
so full of heaviness, O my soul ; and why art thou so dis- 
quieted within me ? Put thy trust in God.' may I ever 
trust in thee, who art ever good and faithful. May I call 
to mind thy mercies of old, the years of thy right hand. I 
mill yet give Him thanks for the help of His countenance." 
Diverging from his westward route through Massachu- 
setts, he paid a visit to Hartford, Connecticut, passing over 
a mountainous region. On this part of his tour, he has the 
following reflections. 

" Tuesday, 29th. Life is a journey. We are tossed 
and shaken on its rugged road, and oft in perils. Some- 
times we pass along the smooth and level plain, with little 
change or variety, from month to month, and from year to 
year. But, generally, life's journey is more like ours to- 
day. Frequently, through the Lord's indulgent goodness, 
we ascend the hill of fortune. Some of His favorite chil- 



466 MEMOIR OF THE 

dren does prosperity raise to the mountain's summit, whence 
we view the beauties of nature, the kingdoms of the earth 
and their glory. But, the loftiest hill must have its descent. 
With greater precipitancy are we hurried down to the 
valley. How steep, and often how perilous the movement ! 
In many unhappy cases, how dreadful has been the down- 
fall ! 

" Riding in the stage leads to many reflections on our 
company, our fellow-passengers on the journey of life. How 
much its happiness depends on their character and their 
benevolence. Could we always choose our companions, 
and had we wisdom always to make the best choice, how 
different would be this dreary pilgrimage ! But, God does 
all things right. Our duty is, to act well the part, whick 
He assigns us. If we cannot receive good at all times, we 
can do it : and if men do ill, we may give them better ex- 
amples, Remember who has said ; ' It is more blessed to 
give than to receive.' 

" Among the passengers was Mrs. -, and her two 

daughters, deo/*and dumb. In the course of the day, I 
have had many thoughts and reflections on these inlets of 
knowledge, of happiness and of pain, to the soul — the 
senses ; on the remarkable effects of losing one or more of 
them ; and on the possibility and the consequence of still 
more being added ';* also, on that spiritual deafness, and its 
effects, which are the great obstacles to our ministry and so 
often render our preaching in vain. These persons, de- 
prived of hearing, seem very happy in the thought that, by 

* In one of the Bishop's memorandum books, I find the following- 
thoughts, evidently pursuing somewhat further what was thus started in 
his mind. 

" Of the senses, such were given to man as were necessary to his pre- 
sent wants and happiness. It is very possible, and may be supposed, 
that more might have been added ; and that, if added, they would open 
new wonders, new elements, new worlds, as we may say, to our view, of 
which now we cannot possibly conceive. In the case of a man born 
blind, if one were to tell him of light, he would never dream of the real 
character of that element. One blind person conceived that green was 
like the sound of a drum ; and that scarlet was like that of a trumpet." 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 467 

two years of hard study, they may, in some little degree, 
remedy the dreadful defect occasioned by their deafness. 
How many thousands and millions in the full enjoyment of 
all their senses, have passed this same day without one 
grateful thought on such a blessing ! How very much are 
our senses abused, and made the instruments of sinning 
against the author of all benefits ?" 

" 31st. Seemed as a day lost. My mind was depressed 
with melancholy thoughts. O how weak is our faith ! 
How blessed to live in constant communion with God ! 

" June 1st. At two in the morning took the stage, and 
at two in the afternoon, arrived in Great Barrington." 

In order to understand what follows under this date, we 
must remember that the Bishop's brother had been Rector 
of the Church in this place ; and that the course, which 
this -brother had seen fit to pursue, had forced a separation 
both between himself and his parish, and between himself 
and his Bishop. The position, in which things were at 
present standing, was this. His connexion with the parish 
had been declared, by the proper ecclesiastical authority, at 
an end ; and yet he refused to resign his right to the Church 
edifice, and attempted to prevent the clergyman, who had 
been invited temporarily to labor in his stead, from occu- 
pying the pulpit ; while his enmity against his brother, as 
his private letters shew, had been carried to a gross and re- 
volting extreme. The Bishop's hope, in visiting the parish 
at this time, was, that he should be able to put an end to 
the unpleasant state of existing relations. Upon reaching 
Great Barrington, he thus writes : 

" Found there brothers Humphrey and Burt. Preached. 
Found the Church there still in a divided, unhappy state ; 
and had some painful trials, which produced an unfavorable 
effect upon my health. Few trials of our temper and our 
Christian fortitude are greater than being considered and 
treated as enemies by those whom we love, and whom we 
have faithfully labored to assist and to benefit. ' Thou, 
Lord, knowest my simpleness, and from thee my faults are 
not hid.' Search and try my heart ; if mischief be there, 



468 MEMOIR OF THE 

however painful the operation, may it be removed. I am 
worthless : my honor, my fame, is nothing. But, for the 
glory of thy great name, preserve this Church ; restore them 
to unity and peace ; inspire them with a holy zeal ; give 
them prosperity, and open their mouth again in songs of 
gratitude and praise." 

All who are acquainted with the circumstances, which 
lie concealed under this extract, will join me in saying, that 
seldom, if ever, is a more affecting record to be met with, 
of the workings of a true Christian heart, than that, which 
I have just copied. Proceeding on his way through Lenox 
and Lanesborough, in which latter place he met again, at 
his sister Deborah's, their aged and now almost helpless 
mother, he was kindly assisted by Mr. Newton of Pittsfleld, 
in passing through Williamstown into Vermont. On this 
part of his journey, he writes thus : 

" 4th. Entering Williamstown, I have many thoughts on 
what I here formerly witnessed ; soldiers kept such by 
compulsion, the cruelty of their officers, and the mournful 
death of one poor fellow. * * * * Thoughts 
busy on entering Vermont. A great change in this country 
during the last fifty years. Calling at an inn in Pownal, I 
noticed with concern the very great number of Sheriff's 
sales, and advertisements of Vendues of property taken for 
debt. Was told, that most of the inhabitants of this town 
have lately failed, in consequence of borrowing money 
from banks, (and they might have added, from the use of 
ardent spirits;) and that 300 of them are now in jail at 
Bennington. Reflections arose on banks and intempe- 
rance. * that they were wise ; — that they understood this !' 

" Arrive at Bennington ; meet with Mr. Bronson • per- 
form Divine service and preach, probably to little good pur- 
pose. People here are prejudiced against the Church. Yet, 
why should we suppose that our preaching, if it be in sin- 
cerity and according to God's Word and will, is ever with- 
out use ? Can we see as the Lord seeth ? Will He not 
prosper it in that, for which He sends it ? When we speak 
in His name and by His authority, shall it ever return void ? 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 469 

thou Divine Saviour ! teach me to know and ever to con- 
sider that nothing, done according to thy will, is done in 
vain. Teach me, above all things, to know thy truth, to 
obey thy commands, and to trust in thy grace. 

" Mr. S and family, as usual, very kind and hospita- 
ble ; every want for the body is here anticipated, or provi- 
ded for. They were ' cumbered with much (too much) 
serving.' God grant that, of the one thing most needful, 
they may never be destitute. 

" Met, here, with Miss C , of Middlebury. She has 

been residing in New York, where the Lord has blessed to 
her conversion the preaching of that faithful minister of 
Christ, Dr. M r. She is a sensible young woman, pos- 
sessed of beauty and of all that is amiable in nature and by 
education ; truly pious ; her whole soul devoted to her Sa- 
viour. She reminds me of the celestial inhabitants : she 
seems but ' a little lower than the angels.' What mortal 
state can imagination pourtray, so nearly resembling that of 
those pure intelligences, as the character and life of a pious 
young female ?" 

These last extracts illustrate three very strong traits in 
the Bishop's character ; — his peculiarity as a close observer 
and a careful student of men and of society, in all those si- 
lent signs of their condition, which are hung out to the 
passing traveller (for he seldom even suffered the stage to 
stop without reading minutely every advertisement, with 
which the walls of the inn were adorned) : his painful un- 
willingness to be the object of an extra amount of attention, 
which might be burthensome to the laboring members of a 
family : — and his keen, delicate sensibility to the refining 
and elevating power of high female character and influence. 
How beautifully is this last trait brought out in the above 
extract ! 

An intelligent and interesting female could always most 
easily draw him out from his customary taciturnity, and 
make him display his really fine pcfwers of conversation ; 
and he was always sensibly gratified by the attentions, which 

RR 



470 MEMOIR OF THE 

from such he received. I remember an amusing anecdote 
in this connexion. 

During one of the sessions of our General Convention, 
he was invited to pass an evening at a sort of clerical party, 
given to the members of the Convention. A lady present 
noticed him, as he sat silently by himself in one corner of 
the room ; and, being acquainted, made her way towards 
him. The Bishop was at once on his feet, and engaged in 
free and animated conversation. As soon, however, as the 
colloquy closed, his first impulse was, to resume his seat. 
But, amid the bustle and movement, which filled the room, 
his seat had been pushed aside, and he fell heavily upon 
the floor. Instantly, however, he was upon his feet again, 
and surrounded by the ladies, who expressed their " hopes 
that he was not seriously hurt." " No," replied he, blush- 
ing with mortification ; "I've hurt nothing but my pride." 

Proceeding on his tour, he was next day at Arlington, 
and wrote as follows : — 

" June 5th. The people of Vermont are this day gene- 
rally engaged in training the militia, and in military parade. 
To my disappointment there were no religious exercises. 
The still, small voice of the Saviour's Gospel is drowned by 
martial music and the din of arms. ' The weapons of our 
warfare are not carnal.' Blessed Lord Jesus, when wilt 
thou beat these swords into plough-shares ? When shall 
sinful, guilty, dying mortals cease to hurry each other into 
the eternal world ? When shall we follow thy blessed ex- 
ample, and labor to save life, and not destroy it ?" 

On the 6th of June, after having preached to a congrega- 
tion, " part of whom had come ten or fifteen miles to hear 
the Word and to enjoy the comfort of Christian fellowship 
and of the Saviour's ordinances," he thus humbly and 
self-searchingly writes : 

" may they not have come in vain! Blessed are they, 
who have ears to hear. Am I, Lord God, faithful to 
teach thy truth ? Did I keep back nothing that was profita- 
ble ? Have I not been careless and languid, when the sal- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 471 

vation of hundreds may have depended on their receiving 
the words, I spake ? Have I not regarded this world, when 
I should have been about my Master's business ? Have I 
not, in executing the duties of my office, had respect to my 
own glory? Havel never aimed to please the fancies of 
me?i y 

1 When sent with God's commission to their hearts V 

If it was necessary that St. Paul should have c a thorn in 
the flesh,' how wise and good is God in removing from me 
temptation to boasting and vanity. Had he bestowed on 
me great and excellent gifts ; did I possess eloquence and 
other eminent talents ; if I had made great attainments in 
knowledge, and stood high in the ranks of literary fame ; 
how perilous must have been my state, inclined, as by na- 
ture I so much am, to think more highly of myself than I 
ought to think !" 

The last part of this extract brings to mind an incident, 
which I lately learned from one of the Bishop's former 
Massachusetts clergy. 

Having labored fatiguingly all day, during a visit to the 
parish in Dedham, he was urged to ride several miles on a 
cold, uncomfortable Sunday evening, for the purpose of 
holding a third service at Quincy. Being seated in the 
chaise, he remarked to his Rev. companion ; " Brother 

C , this is rather hard, to ride so far, at my time of life, 

on such an evening as this, and after a day's labor so fa- 
tiguing, for the purpose of preaching to a small congregation, 
and without any special ability to interest them." " How- 
ever," he added, — " it is a good way to mortify pride, and 
to keep the body in subjection. This is my way of attain- 
ing these important ends ; and I think it a better way for 
me than wearing a hair shirt, or enduring extraordinary 
fasts. I have, by this means, learned to throw away regret 
at my want of talents as a popular preacher. It has led me 
to reflect much on the case of those, who become the idols 
of popular applause. And from this study, and accompany- 
ing observation on men, I have learned enough of the phi- 



472 MEMOIR OF THE 

losophy of our nature to be even thankful, that God never 
saw fit to make me what is usually called a popular preacher. 
I have noticed that the peculiar excitability of temperament, 
which seems necessary in acquiring that kind of reputation, 
with the flatteries and caresses, which follow it, has often led 
to deep and awful falls from Christian character." 

But, to proceed with the journal : — 

" June 7th. Performed service and preached at Man- 
chester. The court, which was in session, from politeness, or, 
we may hope, a still better motive, adjourned to attend the ser- 
vice. May we all be duly reminded of that Court, infinitely 
higher and more just, before which we must all soon stand. 
How desperate, how hopeless would be our case, were it not, 
O blessed Lord Jesus ! that thou wilt be our c Advocate with 
the Father ;' that thy righteousness we may plead, and in 
thy merits be justified. ' Thanks be to God for his unspeak- 
able gift.' 

" To Rutland. In order to save trouble to my friends, 
take a seat in a wagon, going by night. May I ever imi- 
tate St. Paul, and, as far as is practicable, avoid being bur- 
thensome to the Churches, and the giving of pain, trouble 
or expense to any people." 

Passing by stage to Middlebury, he spent Sunday there. 
His labors during the day he thus records : 

• a June 10th, Whitsunday. The weather very warm, 
and my duties, not hard, (God forbid that I should so deem 
them,) but — many. Preached three times, and administer- 
ed Baptism, Confirmation, the Lord's Supper, and mar- 
riage." 

The Methodist Bishop George was then preaching in 
Middlebury, and there was " an awakened attention to 
religious things ; especially, and most happily, among the 
students in the College." 

" How immensely important," he adds, " that they, who 
are destined to be teachers, should first, and early in life, 
be taught of God ! — that all professional men, and such as 
are distinguished by office, or wealth, or honors, or learning, 
should know the true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he has 



LIFE OF BISHOP GEJSWOLD. 473 

sent ! Of such, it may reasonably be expected, will be a 
large proportion of those, who are educated in our Colleges ; 
and pleasing is the promise, when the Lord calls them to a 
knowledge of His grace and faith in Him." 

"June 13th. This morning, at the time we intended to 
set off, there was a shower of rain, with much lightning and 
thunder. Prospects for the journey very discouraging. 
But what should discourage those, whose trust is in that 
God, who will make all things work together for their 
good ? I found on this, as on a thousand occasions, that the 
Lord will not forsake us. The storm soon subsided ; a 
bright morning followed ; and riding was the more plea- 
sant for the rain. 

" After this clouded, stormy night of life is past, how 
bright, how joyful will be the resurrection morn! The 
bright scenes of this morning; the joyful countenance of 
the busy world ; the cheerful notes of the feathered choir ; 
the smiling face of nature, clothed in verdure and rejoicing 
in the more than common vigor of youthful summer ; all 
these give but a faint idea of that glorious Day of the Lord 
Jesus Christ, when saints and angels shall unite in an uni- 
versal chorus ; when the Sun of Righteousness shall shine 
in immortal glory ; and the universe shall resound with the 
Redeemer's praise." 

Between the 13th and the 18th of the month occurred the 
interesting services in " the Maple Grove" of which I have 
spoken ; with others similar in their neighborhood. Passing 
thence across the mountains to the Eastern side of the State, 
his attention was arrested by the frequent recurrence of that 
beautiful tree, his thoughts on which he thus penned : 

" Great abundance of Sugar Maple. Most beautiful 
orchard of the trees on a part of Mr. B.'s farm. On the 
whole of it were made, the last season, two tons of sugar, 
which was uncommonly good. In my present tour through 
this State, I have been led to reflect on the value and im- 
portance of this excellent tree. Perhaps none, that grows 
from the earth, is equally useful. For fuel it is scarce ex- 
ceeded by any wood. For cabinet work much of it is equal 



474 MEMOIR OF THE 

in beauty, and will soon be in value, to mahogany. For 
sugar, also, its value is great. It affords the pleasantest 
sweet in nature. Making the sugar requires little expense 
but labor; and that, in a season of the year, when the 
farmer has little else to do. It requires no slaves in its 
manufacture, nor even any additional laborers. The same 
laborers, who must necessarily be employed to manage the 
farm, are sufficient. Though much sugar is now made, 
and the inhabitants are becoming more sensible of the value 
of this tree, yet it is painful to observe how many of them 
are carelessly destroyed, and how much of it is heedlessly 
burnt and otherwise, lost, which, for a great variety of 
uses, would be exceedingly valuable. This tree should be 
saved and cherished, especially by being transplanted where 
it may conveniently grow." 

They passed the Western range, or spur, of the Green 
Mountains at Waterbury, where the Onion River finds its 
w r ay from Montpelier towards Lake Champlain. At " Water- 
bury," the Bishop writes : " Stop to view the natural bridge; 
a curiosity worth a journey of many miles. The river, 
here, has forced its passage through the mountain. The re- 
maining rocks, in frightful precipices, project on either side. 
Immense masses of solid stone, loosened by time and the 
continual action of the water, have fallen down and filled 
the channel ; and the river, in finding its passage under them, 
is, in one place, wholly lost to the eye ; and where it issues 
below, its whole volume of waters is compressed into the 
narrow breadth of a very few feet. The beholder is 
astonished, and can scarce believe this no small stream is 
contained within such scanty limits. Above these falls, the 
river is remarkably tranquil ; flowing along with an easy and 
almost imperceptible motion. Riding upon its banks, and 
reflecting how soon these waters are to be dashed over the 
precipice and agitated with the utmost commotion, I am re- 
minded of the deceptions and the vicissitudes of human life. 
In prosperous days, when life flows pleasantly along the cur- 
rent of time, we know not, and we are little inclined to the 
consideration, how soon and how suddenly, the scene may 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 475 

be changed ! What disappointments, what sorrows, what 
distresses, a day or an hour may bring forth! To our moral 
and religious state, the application is serious, as it is just. 
Myriads of souls are lulled into a fatal security by the smiles 
of fortune, worldly joys, and present ease. To such, death 
is indeed a dreadful cataract ; the fall is sudden from tem- 
poral hope to utter despair. How ought the preacher to be 
faithful, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear ! 
How should we take heed not to f cry peace, where there is 
no peace !' And hath not God himself said, ' There is no 
peace to the wicked?' 

" The scenery on Onion River from Burlington to Mont- 
pelier is exceedingly interesting. The eye is never weary 
of seeing. It is continually entertained with a pleasing 
variety of rich meadows, and delightful intervale ; now ex- 
panding into a broad surface, and now contracted into nar- 
row limits ; as though the very hills were eager to view the 
romantic scenery, and delighted with witnessing the strug- 
gles of the waters to force their way through all obstructions. 
These hills are seen swelling into infinite variety of size and 
shape ; so that every new turn of the way presents some new 
combination of forms and colors, reminding one of the 
w T ondrous changes of the Kaleidoscope. Some of the scenery 
is inexpressibly bold and sublime. In short, while moving 
along this extended pass, the observant traveller feels as 
though he were moving through Nature's Cabinet ; one long 
gallery of the rich, the beautiful and the grand of her un- 
matched forms." 

From the 18th to the 25th of the month, he was occupied 
in passing the main body of the Green Mountains, and the 
Connecticut River, and in visiting the parishes, which lay 
on his route. Upon leaving Claremont, N. H., he has the 
following note in his Journal : 

" June 25th. Parting reluctantly with friends more kind 
than I deserve, we hurry on to Drewsville. * 
Arrive in season for the services ] and find friends more 
obliging, were that possible, than those we leave behind. 
What am I, Lord God, that these honors should be shewn 



476 MEMOIR OF THE 

to me, whilst others, infinitely more worthy, pass through 
life neglected ? Remember, my soul, that thou, in thy life 
time, art receiving good things, and they, evil things. May 
not these good things be my only portion ? Blessed Lord 
Jesus, let me rather be as Lazarus, or as Job, than receive 
my portion in this world." 

From Drewsville, he journied through Charleston, N. H. ; 
re-crossed the Connecticut River; attended the Convention 
of Vermont, at Bellows Falls ; thence, re-entered Massachu- 
setts ; and, visiting his parishes on the way, reached home 
early in July. 

Such was this interesting tour. I have given, of course, 
but a part of his journal ; yet enough to shew the habits of 
mind, with which he journeyed ; his power of observation, his 
readiness at turning every thing to some good account, his 
love of nature, his humility, his fear of giving trouble, his 
frequency in severe self-examination, and his daily walk of 
close communion with God. More or less of this character 
belonged to all his journeyings, from year to year, around 
his Diocese ; and it is believed that seldom, if ever, is there 
a Christian found more constantly engaged in wearying, or 
exciting duties, yet more conscientiously and sacredly on his 
guard against the dissipating effects, on personal piety and 
habits of devotion, of such incessant toils and of such a life 
of journeys. 

I add here some extracts from another journal of this same 
year, 1821, kept on his way through New Hampshire, the 
southern part of Vermont, and a portion of the State of New 
York, to the special General Convention, which was about 
to meet in Philadelphia. The first extract is a meditation 
and prayer, on setting out. 

" October 2d, 1821. Through the Lord's goodness, com- 
menced another journey. Almost 1800 years have passed 
away since the Apostles of Jesus Christ were first sent forth 
on this gracious message of mercy and salvation. Blessed, 
indeed, would it be, if I had their spirit and their zeal. It 
is comforting that we have the same Lord, who changes not, 
and the same promises, which cannot faiL 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 477 

" blessed God and Saviour, grant that, like them, I may 
be faithful; and that, like theirs, may be my success in 
laboring to build up thy kingdom and extend the knowledge 
of thy salvation to my fellow sinners. If Moses shrunk from 
the tremendous duty of declaring thy message to a rebellious 

people, what am I, that ? But thy power is sometimes 

manifested in human weakness. may thy Divine Spirit 
be my companion : awaken my zeal, give me wisdom from 
above, and preserve me from perils both of soul and body. 
visit not upon this people the sins and un worthiness of 
their Pastor ; but, for thy goodness sake, and according to 
thy manifold and great mercies, stretch forth thy right hand 
to save. Amen." 

In passing through Bradford, Mass., he again encountered 
a military parade, his reflections on which, though in some 
points like those on the former occasion, are yet worthy of 
preservation. 

" October 5th. Found in Bradford an immense multitude, 
' young men and maidens, old men and children,' collected 
to witness the training of two regiments of militia. From 
c whence come wars and fightings ?' An Apostle has given 
the correct answer. The propensity of mankind to be de- 
lighted with military parade, and to honor those who shine 
in arms, is an evidence that they want a c peace which the 
world cannot give.' 'Not as the world giveth' peace, (says 
the Prince of peace) c give I unto you.' may this peace 
be more and more extended, till all shall strive, not to destroy 
men's lives, but to save them. How happy would it be, 
were men as interested, as engaged, in ' fighting the good 
fight of faith ;' and if, instead of these carnal weapons, they 
would c put on the whole armor of God !' According to the 
wisdom of the world, to teach men to fight, to train them to 
arms, to inspire them with a martial spirit, to inflame their 
souls with the love of military fame, is the surest way to 
keep them in peace ! The wisdom, which is from above, 
teaches us, that, to preach the Gospel of the Redeemer's 
kingdom, to subdue those ' lusts, which war in our mem- 
bers,' and to inculcate heavenly love, will be more effectual, 



478 MEMOIR OF THE 

On this message, Blessed Jesus, we, thine unworthy minis- 
ters, are passing, with some difficulty, and without notice, 
through this crowd. How infinitely greater shall be the 
assembly, how changed the views and feelings of all, when 
the archangel's trump shall summon the numerous tribes of 
Adam's race to attend thy dread tribunal !" 

Having reached Concord, the capitol of the State, rn 
diverged, far northwards, from his main route, for the pur- 
pose of visiting the little parish of Holderness, on Squam 
Lake, among the approaches to the White Hills. His object 
accomplished, he returned to Concord and resumed his 
journey. On this episode, he has an interesting note. 

" October 10th. Measure back my way to Concord. How 
very much of our small portion of time is consumed, not to 
say, lost, in travelling, in mere loco-motion ! Much of what 
is almost lost might be made far more profitable. Conversa- 
tion is not always, nor generally, the best and most useful. 
Perhaps, however, in nothing is more time wasted than in 
thinking nothings or that which is worse, or at best of but 
little use. Meditation and observation are two of the five 
sources of knowledge ; and they have this peculiar advan- 
tage, that they are always accessible. Whenever we are 
awake, and have the use of reason, we may meditate ; nor 
can we well conceive of a situation, in which something can- 
not be learned by observation from the circumstances and 
objects, which surround us. We naturally incline to indo- 
lence ; and trifling thoughts are ever intrusive. Our cogita- 
tions, scarce less than our actions, may be and should be 
under the control of reason, and subject to our will. 

" The traveller is naturally impatient. The mind stretches 
forward to the next stage, or the journey's end, while the 
body drags heavily along. May we not hope that the time 
is approaching, when the soul shall be no longer thus im- 
prisoned in a tenement of clay ? Clothed with her celestial 
body, she may, not improbably, be able to range, swift as 
her own thoughts, through immeasurable regions of the 
universe, and visit worlds with infinitely more facility than 
now we pass from town to town." 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 479 

From Concord, he proceeded, on the 11th, by Hopkinton, 
and thence, onwards, to Bradford, N. H. His note at this 
place, like several others, shews the influence of his early 
law-studies on his habits of illustrating religious truth. 

"This day, at Amherst, was found guilty of a most 

horrid and barbarous murther, and sentenced to suffer death. 
May the Lord have mercy on his soul. Didst thou, Blessed 
Redeemer, shed thy blood for such unworthy, such sinful 
creatures? Hast thou, indeed, such mercy for those, who 
have none for each other ? How awful the thought that this 
atrocious wretch is soon to be sent from an earthly tribunal 
to the Supreme Court of the universe. Yet, who knows but 
the terrors of his situation may bring him to himself, and 
cause him to flee from the wrath to come? may he know, 
and seasonably avail himself of, that prevailing ' Advocate 
with the Father,' who can plead as neve?' man pleaded ; and 
who is sure to procure the acquittal and justification of those, 
who duly commit their cause to His management. This suit 
may be defended 6 without money and without price.' No 
fees are required, but the tears, which flow from a penitent 
heart. No plea can prevail but that of guilty. No argu- 
ment for mercy is needed, but that of faith in Christ ; and no 
evidence, on our part, is called for, but the following of His 
counsel, and living to him in holiness." 

At Bradford, he thus notices an awful tempest, which had 
recently swept between the Sunapee and Kearsarge Moun- 
tains, and across the Sunapee Lake. 

" Within four or five miles of our road, and parallel with 
it, passed but a few days since the most tremendous, and 
perhaps, the most destructive tornado ever known in these 
States. Its effects almost exceed credibility. Houses, which 
stood in its way, were demolished almost as suddenly as by 
an explosion of gunpowder. Within five or six seconds 
after striking a building, the air was filled with its fragments. 
Of the whole furniture of one house, it is said, one chair only 
could be found. Six or eight persons were killed ; many 
more wounded ; and the escape of several was little short of 
miraculous. How awful are the terrors of Him, who ' rides 



480 MEMOIR OF THE 

on the whirlwind and directs the storm ;' of Him, who can, 
in a moment, make the very air, which we breathe, the in- 
strument of our destruction ! Across Sunapee Lake a child 
of four years old was carried and dashed upon the opposite 
shore. Such is the security of human life ! Such the stabili- 
ty of earthly hopes f" 

From Bradford, his way lay by Claremont, across the Con- 
necticut river to Bellows Falls, and so over the Green Moun- 
tains to Manchester, Vt. At this last place, he records a 
truly remarkable fact. 

" October 16th. In this place, and near where the new 
Church stands, was the supposed murder of Russell Colvin. 
A most extraordinary case. Two men, brothers of his wife, 
were tried for murdering him. The examination was long 
and very critical : the evidence against them so clear and 
full, that nobody doubted their guilt ; and, what is still more 
remarkable, they themselves confessed it, and acknowledged 
the justice of their condemnation. And yet, Providentially, 
a short time before the day appointed for their execution, it 
was discovered that Colvin was alive and well !" 

Two days later, he thus writes : 

" October 19th. Take leave of brethren, and c friends no 
less than brethren dear ;' journey to the westward, and enter 
the State of New York. * * * * * Passing 
the summit of a hill in Cambridge, (Washington Co.) the 
view was interesting, and my mind filled with many reflec- 
tions. To the eastward was a beautiful and extensive inter- 
vale, surrounded with gently rising grounds and swelling 
hills, beyond which the mountains of Vermont reared their 
loftier summits. In the deepening vale, and on the sides of 
the rising hills are seen an immense number of fields and 
farms and cottages. Over the meadows and pastures', yet 
verdant, numerous flocks and herds are seen grazing. Peace 
reigns and plenty and prosperity abound. But, it was not 
ever thus. Only forty-four years have passed away since, 
over these happy retreats, bloody war shook his angry visage. 
Through these regions, Col. Baum led his troops towards 
Bennington; beyond those hills, which are in view, was he 



/ 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 481 

met and defeated by the Vermont militia ; and there yet lie 
mouldering to earth the bones of hundreds, slain in deadly 
strife.* 

" To the westward, the eye extends to the heights of Sara- 
toga, where, on the next day, the whole of the British army, 
after a bloody contest, surrendered. These are events, of 
which America boasts, and long will boast, with glory and 
exultation. This, however, is the wisdom of the world. 
Religion views these scenes with a different eye, and with 
far other feelings. She knows c whence come wars and 
fightings ;' and weeps over these dire effects of human de- 
pravity. In how many things may it be said of men ; their 
c glory is their shame!' How different are the lessons taught 
us by Him, who came, not to destroy men's lives but to save 
them ! He teaches us to be humble, to love our neighbor 
as ourselves, and even to prefer his honor to -our own. What 
pride and selfishness blind our eyes ! Of the capture of 
General Burgoyne we are never weary. But when do we 
speak of the surrender of General Hull ? "With what detes- 
tation is frequent mention made of the British soldier's kill- 
ing a woman in New Jersey. But how rarely, if ever, do 
we hear of the barbarity of Col. F., who, in the battle of 

* The two battles, fought by General Stark, at Bennington, on the 16th 
October, 1776, were among the most brilliant affairs of our Revolutionary 
struggle. Col. Baum, being despatched by General Burgoyne with 1500 
Hessian troops and 100 savages, to capture the American military stores at 
Bennington, was met by General Stark with 1400 militia; and though the 
former was entrenched, he was yet totally defeated, and his whole force 
captured, with all their spoils of war. This victory, however, was scarcely 
won, when Col. Breyman arrived on the field of action with 1000 addi- 
tional regulars, as a reinforcement from General Burgoyne, to succor the 
troops, which had just laid down their arms. Meanwhile, General Stark 
had been joined by a fresh regiment of militia ; with which, and his pre- 
viously weary and hungry men, he assaulted the reinforcement, and, before 
the day closed, put them also to an utter route. The loss of the enemy was 
nearly 1000 men; that of the Americans, not more than 100. The events 
of this day at Bennington contributed largely to those of the next at Sara- 
toga. Thus did " bloody war shake his angry visage over those happy re- 
treats," on which our traveller's eye was then resting. 

SS 



482 MEMOIR OF THE 

Bennington, deliberately aimed at, shot through the breast, 
and instantly killed, the wife of a British officer !" 

Arrived in Troy, he spent several days with the Warren 
family, and in visits to interesting objects in the vicinity. 
This was so unusual a pause in his labors, that it seems to 
have affected him even to sadness. Hence he notes on his 
journal for October 20th ; " Experience some depression of 
spirits. Seem as wasting my time, or neglecting my own 
proper business." During this pause, he visited Albany, 
and its Legislature, Lansingburgh, Waterford, and the falls 
of the Mohawk. " The scenery" here, he says, " was in- 
teresting and sublime, much beyond my expectation. A 
little south of the Cahoes, pass the place, where the two 
great Canals, northern and western, are to unite. Had many 
reflections on these stupendous structures, which promise to 
be so much to the honor, and eventually, no doubt, to the 
interest, of this large and rising State." 

On the 23d, after "making some farewell calls," and re- 
cording, as " not to be forgotten," the " kindness of friends 
in Troy," he proceeded on his way towards the General 
Convention. On his way, he examined the United States 
Arsenal between Troy and Albany : " a curiosity," he writes, 
" worth visiting. Yet, it is melancholy," he adds, " to re- 
flect what labor and expense are bestowed in preparing in- 
struments to destroy men's lives. The common maxim, 
that preparing for war preserves peace, is at least doubtful, 
if not certainly false. To preserve peace, it is most necessary 
to subdue c the lusts, which war in our members.' Provid- 
ing the means of warfare will increase the desire to use them. 
Is life more safe for putting swords in the hands of mad- 
men ? Which policy, in the event, best preserved peace 
with the natives of this country ; that of the Puritans in New 
England, or that of the Quakers in Pennsylvania ? Had we 
an Arsenal, in which might be deposited, in an unused, 
inactive state, all our pride, selfishness and ambition, peace 
would indeed be lasting. But, what buildings are sufficient- 
ly capacious to contain such a deposit?" 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 483 

But his reflections, during this tour, were not all upon torna- 
does, murders and wars. His observations on what he saw 
in the State of New York set his thoughts on a different 
range. A brief, but interesting sketch of their movements 
he has preserved in his journal : 

" How wonderful that so fine a country as this should 
have continued, for so many centuries, perhaps ever since 
the creation of the world, without civilized inhabitants ! 
That so much of its fine soil should be uncultivated; and 
that so many of its resources and advantages should remain 
unoccupied and unenjoyed ! The more wonderful is all this, 
on reflecting how evidently Divine Providence has designed 
all these things for the use of man. How wonderful, the 
Salt Springs in the western part of this State ; how needed 
there ; how productive and how useful ! Where it might 
have been expected an article so heavy in transportation 
would, with great difficulty and expense, be obtained, there 
is likely to be a supply for a large part of the United States. 
The late discovery of a water-cement in digging the canal, 
when and where it is so needed, is an additional source of 
wonder and of gratitude to the Father of mercies." 

Here the journal of the present tour ends. Either it was 
not continued, or its continuation is lost. Enough, however, 
has been given to show us a good specimen of a Christian 
traveller. All his journals seem written on the principle, 
which he quotes from Dr. Johnson, (with him, rather a 
favorite author) that " it is the great excellence of a writer to 
put into his book as much as his book will hold." His diaries 
are all full of incident and thought ; and to a careful reader, 
it will be seen that many of his reflections contain the seeds 
of valuable theological arguments. To give an example of 
this latter remark ; when he notices the wonderful fact that 
this great continent, with its boundless resources, divinely 
intended for the benefit of man, continued for so many 
thousands of years without civilized inhabitants, capable of 
discovering those resources, and of turning them to use ; he 
is not expressing a mere idle man's wonder, but, in his own 
peculiar way, answering the objector against revelation, who 



484 MEMOIR OF THE 

inquires ; "if Christianity be a revelation from God, disclosing 
the only way of salvation, why was it withheld from the race 
for 4000 years ; and why, when finally given, was it suffered 
to become the privilege of but a little handful of men ?" 
The Bishop's answer to this cavil is, virtually; that the 
reason for this fact is God's, not man's ; and that the fact 
itself no more disproves God's authorship in revelation, 
than the effect, which he was recording, disproved God's 
agency in creation. 

I have a few journals, written on subsequent tours ; but, 
with one exception, they are mostly filled with details of 
Episcopal services, accompanied with very brief reflections 
as usual, shewing his habits of daily and hourly communion 
with God, but furnishing little that can add to the idea, 
which we already have, of his eminent piety. I give, how- 
ever, a few additional extracts, written on more special oc- 
casions, and worthy of preservation. The following shews 
him at one of the annual commencements in Brown Univer- 
sity, while acting as Chancellor of that Institution. 

" September 3d, 1822. Went to Providence. After some 
difficulty, commenced the examination of the candidates for 

orders, A. , J. , and C . Had many serious 

and some painful thoughts and reflections, on the inconsidera- 
tion, or thoughtlessness, with which, too generally, men take 
upon themselves the solemn vows, and the awfully respon- 
sible office of the Christian ministry. How dreadful is the 
judgment denounced upon unfaithfulness ! How tremendous 
the thought, that the salvation, the eternal well-being of 
many immortal souls may depend, God only knows in what 
degree, on our diligence and fidelity ! and that some may for- 
ever perish through our neglect !" 

" September 4th. Attend the business and exercises of the 
commencement. Fatiguing to body and mind. How much 
do we add to the burthen of life in order to support useless 
parade and a vain shew ! Such, however, is the imperfec- 
tion of our nature, the corruption of our hearts, and the limi- 
tation of our faculties, that much of our formality is a necessary 
evil. Thousands crowd together, with much eagerness, to 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 



485 



behold the exercises, which, to the few graduates, are indeed 
interesting. And yet, how very unconcerned are the most 
of this immense assembly about that commencement , that be- 
ginning of a never ending state, which is sure soon to come, 
and in which all are equally and infinitely concerned ! Here, 
we are pursuing, or ought to be pursuing, the course of our 
preparatory exercises. How alarming is the thought that, 
for idleness and misconduct, we may be expelled ! These 
young men think it of vast importance that their appearance, 
for a few minutes, on this stage and before this brilliant 
assembly, should be favorable ; and for four years they will 
labor, in severe and patient study, to obtain one of the first 
parts. Can the same individuals, then, with myriads of 
others, be unconcerned how they shall appear before unnum- 
bered hosts of men and angels ; before the most splendid 
concourse of the assembled world ? Have they no anxiety 
what part shall be allotted them for eternity ? 

" Immediately after the collegiate exercises, we again 
prosecute the examinations. How changed the scene ! But 
a few minutes since, we were surrounded by thousands, gay 
and thoughtless of their souls, and eagerly grasping after 
worldly pleasures. Here, are but a very few ; grave, serious 
and retired ; and surrounded with ponderous volumes, which 
contain the concentrated wisdom of ages, on subjects truly 
the most interesting and important. Here, that wisdom, 
which is from above, is the subject of conversation; and our 
inquiries are, how men may escape the fascinating snares of 
worldly vanities ; how they may be arrested in their sinful 
courses ; and how their hearts may be turned to God ? We 
are listening to the progress, which young men have made 
in spiritual things, and with what motives and qualifications 
and prospects of success, they resolve to leave the world and 
devote their whole time and talents, and the whole energies 
of their souls to God. We seem as in another world. The 
former things are passed away : all things here are new." 

" September 5th. Was occupied in the morning with the 
Corporation in the business of the University. In the after- 
noon, continue the examinations ; attend the meeting of the 

ss* 



486 MEMOIR OF THE 

Bible Society ; and then return, still again, to the important 
business of preparing a few to preach the Bible, and to per- 
suade men to live according to its holy doctrines." 

In November of this year, 1822, he commenced another 
tour round his Diocese. On the 16th, while on his way 
from Walpole, N. H., to Windsor, Vt., with fifteen grown 
persons in the stage, his " baggage, through the driver's 
fault, was injured. God be praised," he writes, " that I was 
not provoked to anger, nor disposed to render evil for 
evil." 

He left home on the 11th, and seems to have spent a 
week in business and journeying before he reached the first 
place, at which he had made an appointment. Hence the 
following entry in his Journal. 

" Never before journeyed so long in the Diocese without 
performing any public services. Blessed Lord, has this 
week, now so soon to be numbered c with the years before 
the flood,' been spent according to thy will ? Might I not 
have done some good, which I have neglected ? In the 
week, now soon to commence, I am, (by appointment,) to 
be engaged in many arduous and important duties. At the 
end of it, should I see its end, I may be less satisfied than I 
am with the one now closing. It is better to do nothing 
than it is to do ill. Thou Father of lights, Thou God of 
grace ! did ever creature of thine so need thy aid ? Do 
Thou, who heardest the prayer of Solomon, ' give me wis- 
dom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before 
this great people.' Let thy strength be manifest in my weak- 
ness. And, as thine is the kingdom and the power,' so 
thine shall be 'the glory forever, Amen.' " 

One of the arduous and important duties, which lay thus 
nearly before him, was the trial of one of his clergy, on 
charges, which had been preferred against him. It was a 
duty, upon which he always entered with the deepest reluc- 
tance, and which ever drove him most pleadingly to God for 
wisdom and grace. It was doubtless, the approach of this 
trial, which made him feel that, at the close of the coming 
week, he might, if left to himself, feel less satisfied than he 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 487 

was after a week of what he considered idleness ; that it was 
better to pass a week doing nothing, than to spend a day- 
doing wrong to an accused brother clergyman. The trial, 
in the present case, resulted in the acquittal of the accused ; 
after which and the performance of many other duties, the 
Bishop reached home the last day of autumn, with the song 
in his heart ; " glory be to Thee, Lord." 

On the 9th of September, 1823, he started on another long 
tour; " not knowing," he writes, " the things that shall be- 
fall me ;" " and not forgetting the kind protecting hand, which 
has hitherto sustained me." By the first of October he was 
" preaching in a meeting-house, on a hill" in the northern 
parts of Vermont ; whence, " many miles to the South, 
Mansfield mountain reared its lofty summit, white with snow ; 
while in the north, the pinnacle of St. Armand's, in Canada, 
towered upwards, scarce less majestic." Passing on still 
nearer to Canada, on the 3d of October, he u crossed Trout- 
Brook, in which was drowned, Mr. Grey," one of his valued 
friends in those northern regions, and a most efficient and 
pious supporter of our infant Churches there. " I passed by 
the grave," he adds, " where rest his earthly remains. 
' Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord : for they rest 
from their labors, and their works do follow them.' * * * 
In all these parts his death is much and generally lamented :" 
and he might have added ; " by none more sincerely than 
myself." As he advanced in years, the loss of every friend 
affected him with a peculiar sadness. " The young" he 
used to remark, " can better afford to part with friends ; for 
they have time to gain others. But to the aged, their loss is 
as the falling of autumn leaves. Every one, that drops, but 
strips the tree more nearly naked. It is to the rising, not to 
the setting sun, that men pay their homage." The follow- 
ing note on the same day, October 3d, is full of beauty : 

" The weather continues uncommonly fine. The forests 
have assumed their autumnal beauties ; and no beauties in 
nature can exceed those, which now clothe the mountains in 
these northern parts of Vermont. The richness and variety 



488 MEMOIR OF THE 

of the colors surpass any thing that can well be conceived. 
c Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these' 
mountains at the present moment. As we were journeying 
this afternoon from Montgomery to Sheldon, the sun, decli- 
ning towards the western horizon, shed its very mildest and 
purest rays, and gave a brilliancy to the scenery, which is 
well worth a journey of 300 miles." 

How like, that scene, to the autumn of the Bishop's own 
life! 

In Swanton, near St. Albans, he records his official duties 
on the 6th, with the remark ; " Here four denominations of 
Christians have united in building a house for public wor- 
ship : a union, which may too naturally lead to dis-union. 
May the Lord, in His mercy, prevent it." 

He now began to move towards the South, and on the 
10th, was in Rutland. There he found an aged friend 
" fast sinking under the weight of years and cares. In 
each of these tours," he proceeds, " I look in vain for many, 
whom I had before seen. Six weeks since, I left home. 
Then, the forests retained their verdure ; and nature smiled 
in ripened beauties. Now, the leaves are falling, the 
forests are fast fading, and the lofty trees are laying their 
honors in the dust. Such, emphatically, are my cotempo- 
raries. ' We do fade as a leaf.' c All flesh is grass, and 
the glory thereof as the flower of the field.' Three days 
since, the autumnal livery of the groves was inexpressibly 
beautiful. Just now, a severe frost has suddenly and 
mournfully changed their hue. So man, in the autumn of 
life, often shines in the most splendid glories ; often, too, 
they fall and fade as suddenly as the leaves. Why is he 
thus fond of c walking in a vain shew ?' " 

Still journeying South amidst his labors, he entered Mas- 
sachusetts, and reached Lanesborough, the residence of his 
sister Deborah. Since his last visit to this place, his aged 
mother had died ; she, to whose tuition and discipline, his 
early mind had been so much indebted. On the 16th of 
October, he penned the following brief, but touching para- 
graph: 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 489 

" Visited my mother's grave. Merciful God ! What 
thoughts it suggests, what recollections it calls to mind! 
What pen can describe, what tongue can utter, the pensive 
sadness of my soul ? Yet, why sad ? Why not, O Lord, 
rejoice in all thy works ? Why not perfectly confide in the 
wisdom and goodness of all thy providences ? What more 
can faith desire than that thy will shall be done ? Dread- 
ful, indeed, was the sentence, c Dust thou art, and unto dust 
shalt thou return P But, how animating the promise of 
Him, who is c the resurrection and the life ;' — ' The dead 
shall hear the voice ofthe Son of God ; and they that hear, 
shall live!'" 

From Lanesborough, he passed down through the county 
of Berkshire, and on the 20th of the month in Great Bar- 
rington, attended the funeral of one of the most active and 
influential of the female members of the parish there; 
after which, as though his heart could bear no more toil 
amidst the saddening influences of such an autumn, and 
such a series of incidents, he hurried home, reaching Bristol 
on the 23d ; the strain still sounding, with w T hich he left 
Great Barrington ; " God's holy name be praised for all his 
saints, departed this life in his faith and fear." May he 
" give us grace to follow their good examples." 

The year 1824 has left us brief journals of no less than 
seven Episcopal tours, some of them of considerable extent, 
and one in particular of great length. But they contain 
little of special interest, abounding mainly in details of offi- 
cial labors. Preaching in Marblehead to a very full audience, 
he writes, on the 24th of February. " How affecting the 
thought that they may, and they may not, meet in heaven ! 
When we recollect that one perished in his sins on a cross, 
by the side of a penitent fellow- sufferer, and of a bleeding 
Saviour ; — how must we fear and tremble for those, to 
whom we preach !" On the 29th of this month, he preach- 
ed three times in Boston, at Trinity, St. Paul's, and Christ 
Church ; confirming upwards of fifty each time ; and closing 
the labors of the day with the devoutest ascription of praise 



490 MEMOIR OF THE 

for the " patient goodness of God" in continuing his life, 
and giving him strength for such arduous duties. 

There is one journal of a long tour in 1825 ; but this 
also is brief, and adds little of interest to what we already 
know of his private life while thus employed. 

In 1826, besides a sketch of a brief journey into Massa- 
chusetts, he has left a much more extended account of a 
journey, which he was induced to take into Canada. The 
object of this journey, one of the longest, that he ever 
made, seems to have been twofold. Through the Rev. 
Mr. Bristed, who was then laboring in Vermont, he had 
received a very kind invitation from Bishop Stuart, of 
Quebec, to visit him, for the purpose of mutual conference 
on the best interests of their adjacent Dioceses ; while the 
power of domestic afflictions at home, which threatened, for 
a time, to crush even his energies both of body and of mind, 
rendered such an excursion peculiarly desirable, as a means, 
under God, of diverting his thoughts, and of throwing off 
the weight, which was pressing on his spirit. The blessing, 
which he sought, was, in some measure, found. His journey 
was made in company with two of his female friends, and with 
other interesting travelling associates ; was, as usual, filled 
with incidents ; and ended in restoring him to his family 
in the enjoyment of renovated health ; though with a spirit 
still suffering deeply under sorrow. It was begun the 12th 
of June, and ended the 18th of July. 

The journal, which he kept, is unusually full, and even 
interesting. But its descriptions are of objects so often de- 
scribed ; and I have already drawn so near the limits of 
this work, that I must reluctantly omit it from these pages. 
It must be sufficient to say, that he visited, on his way, St. 
John's, Montreal, and Quebec ; Lake George, the Springs, 
and Albany ; — that he was most kindly received and enter- 
tained by Bishop Stuart ; that, as he records, his titles were 
for once of some use to him by procuring him admission to 
an unusually free and full examination of the Convent of 
the Ursuline Nuns in Quebec ; that his journal is enlivened 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 491 

by narrations of personal incidents, and historical recollec- 
tions ; by descriptions of nature and of art ; and by reflec- 
tions, which, as usual, breathe forth the habitual devotion 
of his spirit, and shew the true man of God wherever he 
went and with whomsoever he mingled. It is only, how- 
ever, at its close that it even alludes to the mournful visita- 
tion, which had, in part, prompted the excursion. As he 
drew near his saddened home, thoughts of the recent past 
rushed again into his mind, and he could not refrain from 
giving them one brief record in his page. With this record, 
I close my present reference to this painfully pleasing ex- 
cursion. 

" My thoughts," he says, " during this last day's ride 
were much agitated, and my spirits much depressed, by re- 
flection on the changes in my family, and among my friends. 
Just art thou, God, who hast called me to sorrow and 
mourning ; and righteous art thou in all thy dealings. Shall 
we receive good at thy hand, and shall we not receive evil ? 
c Lover and friends hast thou put far from me, and mine ac- 
quaintance out of my sight.' Thou hast indeed stricken me ; 
but have I grieved ? Have I not despised thy chastening, 
by neglecting duly to humble my soul in penitence and 
sorrow ? O forbid that thy corrections should be in vain. 
£ Make me a clean heart, God, and renew a right spirit 
within me. Cast me not away from thy presence ; and 
take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. give me the comfort 
of thy help again, and stablish me with thy free Spirit. 
Then, shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked ; and sinners 
shall be converted unto thee.' " 

It cannot be necessary, after the extracts, which have thus 
been given from what remains to us of his private journals, 
to attempt a summary of those traits of personal, of Chris- 
tian, and of ministerial character, which they reveal, or 
illustrate. They are simple, and speak for themselves. 
They shew him, not elaborating great things, as though he 
expected the world to read and applaud him ; but pouring 
out his own secret and sacred thoughts and feelings, as 
though he expected none but God, himself, and perhaps 



492 MEMOIR OF THE 

some nearest friend, would ever see the unstudied lines, 
which he traced. But this makes them, for our purpose, all 
the more valuable, as they open to us the man, not his ae- 
quisitions ; his heart, and not his learning. We see him 
just as he is — simple and sincere with God — and living only 
to his glory in the salvation of men. 

In continuing, now, to trace the thread of the Bishop's 
private life around his Diocese, my resort will be to the 
few letters, which have come into my hand, and which date 
onwards from the year 1826. 

His Canadian tour this year was begun in the midst of a 
very severe drought. In one of his letters, written on the 
way, he alludes to this fact, in a style already familiar to 
the reader's mind. In seeing and habitually acknowledging 
GOD in every thing, he was more like one of the Old and 
New Testament saints than any modern Christian, with 
whom it has been my lot to be acquainted. 

" Greenfield, June 18th, 1826. 

" Dear E , — Through the Divine goodness, we are 

conducted in safety to this time and to this place. * * * 
The exceedingly dry weather, and of course, the dust from 
the roads, have been not a little annoying. * * * * 
The effects of the drought in all the country, through which 
we have yet passed, are mournful and alarming. But, the 
sins of the people, which, we may believe, are the cause of 
this visitation, are more so. At the present day, an un- 
common hardness of heart seems generally to prevail in our 
country. Even corrections, which are the last remedy em- 
ployed by Divine Providence, to reclaim us from sin and 
awaken us to righteousness, are ineffectual. It was former- 
ly the case, in this country, under such calamities, that the 
people were reminded, c The Lord rules ;' and that, under 
the admonition, they humbled themselves in penitence and 
prayer. Christians cannot be too sensible, nor think too 
much, of an overruling Providence. This doctrine, that 
all things are under the superintendence of the Divine Be- 
ing, ought, indeed, in every trial, and under the most dis- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 493 

couraging prospects, to teach us to put our trust in Him, and 
be assured that He, who is wise and good and omnipotent, 
will order all things for the best. But, when we are called 
to suffer, our very first consideration should be, whether 
the evil be not a chastisement. Our sins should be called 
to remembrance. That people are in the worst spiritual 
state, of whom it may be said ; the Lord hath stricken 
them , and they have not mourned." * * * 

" I have nothing so particularly interesting as to be 
worth communicating to you, except perhaps, that, during 
one part of the afternoon on Sunday, we (all the Church 
congregation) went to a Congregational meeting house, 
and heard Mr. Brigham, who has made a long visit and 
tour in South America, give an account of the state of 
religion in that part of the world. It was not only gratify- 
ing to curiosity, but well calculated to make us more thank- 
ful for our religious privileges. I find, in many places, 
pressing calls for Missionary labors ; — and among the va- 
rious and weighty cares, which burthen my mind and weigh 
my spirits down, it is not the least to hear the people cry 
for bread, while I have none to give them. 

" Called as I am, by a just and wise Providence, to sor- 
row and mourning, the delightful scenes, through which I 
am passing, have less charms for me, and are less likely to 
restore my health, &c. 

Your affectionate friend, 

Alex. V. Griswold." 

Miss E. McC . 

The almost numberless journeys, which Bishop Griswold 
made round his Diocese, were accompanied with frequent 
exhausting toils, and exposures not only of health, but also 
of life. Yet he always travelled without accident, and 
seemed sometimes to wear out disease by the counter-irri- 
tant of motion and toil. Writing to Miss McC , on 

one of his tours in 1827, under date of July 13th — he says ; 
" My journey hither has been so fatiguing on account of 
hot weather, the tediousness of the stages, bad health and 

TT 



494 MEMOIR OF THE 

low spirits, that I have rarely felt less disposition to any 
manner of exertion; and I am now as little inclined to 
write as I usually am to conversation. By this lassitude, 
however, you are not likely to be a loser ; for I have no- 
thing to write : and thankful I ought to be that I have no- 
thing; that is, — considering that I have passed through 
some perils, and some exposure, and what reason I had to 
fear, last evening especially, that I should be quite sick, I 
ought to be thankful that I have no accident or mishap to 
relate, and that I am now as well at least as when I left 
home." 

Again, to the same, on the 8th of the following October, 
at St. Albans, Vt., he says : — " After the long services at 
Fairfield, yesterday, I came here, six or eight miles, over a 
road worse than you can well conceive, to preach a third 
sermon last evening. On Saturday, from riding in the rain, 
I took some cold, which again affected my throat. Conse- 
quently, my speaking yesterday was laborious ; and speaking 
so much, dangerous. The consequence is precisely what it was, 
the Sunday before I left home. My hoarseness this morn- 
ing, considering how much I shall have to speak, for a 
week to come, causes some increase of anxiety. But I 
endeavor to consider myself in the hands of God, who 
will dispose of me according to his own unerring wisdom. 
If He has further work for me, He will enable me to per- 
form it. I call to mind His mercies of old, and in how 
many instances, dark clouds of difficulty and despondence 
have been wonderfully dispersed, and the brighter beams 
of His merciful goodness have broken forth to my view. 
When I commenced my first sermon after leaving you, it 
seemed scarce possible that I could go through with it ; and 
yet I did it with ease, and my voice from that time continued 
to grow better." ***** After writing 
an account of his many labors on this tour, he adds ; — " To 
some of my friends perhaps, to my family at least, it may 
be gratifying to learn how lam occupied in my journey. 
But I have reached that age, when our friends, like our 
faculties, decline and gradually fail us. Men worship the 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 495 

rising sun. Whether mine is to set in a serene sky is 
known to God only ; and his will be done. I have long 
endeavored to anticipate, and be prepared for, all the evils 
attendant on declining years." ***** 

I have already alluded to the Bishop's views of slavery, 
when speaking of the will of his deceased son, Alexander 
H. Griswold. The following extract from a letter to Miss 

McC , while she was resident for a season in Maryland, 

and dated March 19th, 1828, will shew that, however 
little he was disposed to become a partizan in political abo- 
litionism, he had the true northern feeling on the subject of 
slavery itself. 

" In regard to cruelty to slaves, they are not, it is said, 
treated as beasts, this side of the Carolinas ; and as to their 
being happy, we cannot say that slaves are not as happy as 
their masters. Their happiness, however, arises from their 
ignorance and freedom from mental cares ; and also consists 
in the sensual enjoyments, which they have in common 
with the brutes. That we should boast so much of being 
zfree people^ while such myriads of our population are in 
the most abject state of slavery, is one of the striking in- 
stances of that blindness and absurdity, to which our fallen 
nature is prone. We can best judge how great the evil is, 
by supposing it our own case ; that our friends, and chil- 
dren and other relatives, or that we ourselves, were seized 
by force and carried to Africa. This would be equally just, 
and no greater hardship than that, which we inflict. Indeed, 
there have been instances of such captivity. Several of our 
countrymen have, in former years, been captured and made 
slaves by the Algerines, and treated as well, we have reason to 
believe, as we treat the Africans. But, how were our feelings 
excited by their captivity ! And with what abhorrence did 
we view their slavery ! Such selfish creatures we are !" 

The following extract from a letter to Mrs. Griswold, 
Feb. 27th, 1829, will give an idea of some of his many 
wmfer-travels. On a northeastern tour, he was caught at 
Boston by an almost unprecedentedly furious snow storm, 
which detained him two days. " Monday morning," he 



496 MEMOIR OF THE 

writes, " I took a seat in the first stage, that ventured to 
set off for the Eastward ; and we were travelling hard till 
nearly 10 o'clock in the evening, to reach Newburyport ;" 
(less than thirty miles) " and what a day it was, I could not 
well give you an adequate idea. Though I have never 
more wished for your company for my comfort and assist- 
ance, yet I felt thankful, that day, that you were not with me ; 
so great must have been your sufferings. " 

The following will shew amidst what sickness, as well as 
storms, he often urged his way, in order to prevent failure 
in the appointments, which he had made. It is from a 
letter to Mrs. G. while he was on a northern tour, in 1834 ; 
dated Claremont, July 19th. " My dear wife, — through 
the Lord's goodness, I am thus far on my journey. My 
health, till Wednesday last, was about the same as when I 
left home. That day, one of the hottest we have had this 
summer, I went in a chaise, accompanied by Mr. C, fifty 
miles, over a very hilly country, to Judge Livermore's in 
Campden. It was, of course, too much for one horse in 
such weather ; and, to favor him, we walked up all the 
hills. The next day, after the services, I grew unwell, and 
had a sleepless, distressing night. I was unwilling to stop 
and fail in my appointments ; so, Friday we returned by 
the same way, though the weather was cooler. I went to 
bed immediately, and had a physician ; took powerful medi- 
cines, and was distressed by their operation. Every one, 
the doctor especially, urged the imprudence of continuing 
my journey. But you, my dear, know how necessary it 
was, and what has been my practice in such cases. I rose 
at day break, to be ready for the stage to this place ; where, 
after riding above forty miles further, very rapidly and over 
a rough road, I am far from being well." 

It is only by the event that we are able to justify such 
repeated exposures of his health and life. He had the 
strongest feeling of the truth, that he " was in God's hands ; 
and that if the Lord had further work for him to do, He 
would supply the strength to do it:" and so, he often 
pushed forward, though as if treading on the heels of death, 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 497 

and about to overtake him at the grave. The result has, per- 
haps, shewn that he was thus in the way of duty ; though no 
one could have charged him with a neglect of duty, had he, 
in numerous instances, remained under his physician's 
hands, instead of persevering in fulfilment of his appoint- 
ments. No frame, however, of less iron hardiness than 
his, could, with any safety, have hazarded the perils of his 
frequent extreme exposure. 

As he advanced in life, he felt increasingly sensible to 
the loss of domestic comforts, of which his frequent jour- 
neys were the occasion ; particularly, as that loss consisted 
in protracted absences from his wife and children, and in 
a consequent inability to do for them what his heart desired. 
" My separation from you," — he writes to Mrs. G., June 
19th, 1835, while attending, at Pittsfield, one of the most 
absorbingly interesting Conventions he had ever known, — • 
" my separation from you for so great a portion of my time, 
is a very great diminution of my happiness. But I ought 
to be, and I trust am, thankful to God, that I have the com- 
fort of your society many weeks in the year ; and that, 
while I am separated from you by these visitations, you are 
caring for our household, and nurturing our dear little ones. 
I think much, and perhaps with too much anxiety, of the 
time, when they must be left wholly to your care. I ought, 
and I endeavor, fully to trust and believe that He, who hath 
given them to us, will aid you in bringing them up in His 
nurture and admonition. Should they prove to be good, 
and conduct themselves well, it will be what I chiefly de- 
sire respecting them. What shall be their state and occu- 
pation in life, is, with me, a matter of less concern. Gene- 
rally speaking, parents are too desirous to see their children 
shine in the world, and occupy the most honorable stations. 
As regards their immortal well-being, such stations are, 
perhaps, of all most perilous." 

His sense of loneliness in his travels was also an increas- 
ing feeling, and often made him send home yearnings after 
that social life, which he really so much enjoyed. " Travel* 



498 MEMOIR OF THE 

ling so much alone" says he in a letter to Mrs. G., Sept. 
4th, 1836, " and over the same roads, where nothing new 
is to be expected, is dull and irksome. The hope that I 
am performing my duty, and may be the instrument of some 
good to the Churches, is what alone reconciles me to such 
labor. When absent, I think much how happy I should be 
with you and our dear family. And yet, when I am enjoy- 
ing that blessing, there are many cares and some sorrows to 
diminish it. Our hopes of earthly enjoyment are seldom 
fully realized. This should teach us, and, I doubt not, is 
designed to teach us, to look for a home and happiness be- 
yond this world." 

Towards this home and happiness, indeed, he felt grow- 
ing attractions, especially with the growth of the feeling, 
by which he was too much affected, that his labours could 
be of little further use in the Church. Writing from Green- 
field, June 27th, 1838, shortly after the loss of the Steamer 
Pulaski, he says to Mrs. G. ; — " From all that I can learn, 
our friends, Mr. Woart and his wife, must have perished in 
that dreadful disaster to the Steamer Pulaski. * 
While such events are continually occurring, and thousands 
of our young and vigorous are suddenly cut down in the 
midst of their usefulness, how long and how wonderfully 
have I been preserved t in perils by land and perils by wa- 
ter !' The Lord give me grace to be duly thankful for his 
goodness. I have now arrived at that age, when c friends 
are few," and the world becomes tired of us. It is chiefly, 
my dear love, for your sake, and for the sake of our dear 
children, that I desire life to be prolonged, and feel thankful 
for every day, which is added to its protracted span. I may 
yet benefit my family ; perhaps, even to my grandchildren 
I may be of some little service. To the rest of the world, 
and to the Church even, I can be of but very little further 
use." 

The Mr. Woart, to whom in the above extract he alludes, 
was the Rev. J. Loring Woart, formerly of the Eastern 
Diocese, and a native of Newburyport, a most estimable 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 499 

and promising young clergyman, who, with his amiable 
wife, and their just born babe, perished in the terrible dis- 
aster, to which he refers. 

A few days after the letter, from which the above ex- 
tract is made, we find the Bishop travelling through the 
county of Berkshire, and get an idea of the manner, in 
which he generally spent his time in the stage and on the 
way, when he had no other travelling companions than 
strangers. Writing from Stockbridge, July 3d, 1838, he 
says ; — " To-morrow I hope to reach Great Barrington ; 
but expect to find it a wearisome day. I move forward 
very slowly, and lose, or seem to lose, much time on the 
way. I have, however, employed it almost wholly in lead- 
ing the JVew Testament in French : and surely this time I 
ought not to think lost?'' 

This extract reminds me of an incident, which illustrates 
not only his manner of improving time while travelling, but 
also his manner of reproving vice and improprieties of con- 
duct. 

One day, while pursuing his customary route through 
Massachusetts, he was much annoyed by two young English- 
men, who, with himself, were the only passengers in the 
stage. Without noticing him, as he sat quietly in the corner 
of the vehicle, engaged in the perusal of a book, they took 
the liberty of feeling that they might do what they pleased. 
They spent their time, therefore, in smoking cigars, and in 
very profane and offensive conversation. Upon arriving at a 
stage-house, however, where one of the proprietors of the 
line resided, after the usual halt they were informed that 
they must not resume their seats. Upon demanding the 
reason, the proprietor replied ; " I understand, young gentle- 
men, that you have allowed yourselves to behave very rude- 
ly in the presence of your fellow passenger. The Bishop is 
so good a customer of ours, that we cannot allow him to be 
uncivilly treated in any of our carriages." " The Bishop /" 
rejoined they: " we had no suspicion of his being a Bishop. 
Pray allow us to proceed. We promise to make amends for 
the past by shewing, that we know how to treat a Bishop 



500 MEMOIR OF THE 

with proper respect. Accordingly, being allowed to resume 
their seats, a respectful silence was for a time observed. At 
length, they ventured to address to him some civil inquiries, 
evidently with a view to draw him into conversation. A 
civil "yes," or "no," as the case required, was, however, 
all that they could elicit. One of them, therefore, entered 
on a direct apology. "I believe Sir," he observed, "that 
through ignorance of your character and station, we have 
allowed ourselves in very unbecoming liberties in your 
presence. We beg your pardon, Sir, and hope that you will 
not refuse us forgiveness." " Were J the only being whom 
you have offended," said the Bishop, quietly raising his eyes 
from his book, "the offence would be a matter of very little 
consequence." The young men were silent, and the rest 
of their journey together was passed without further breach 
of decorum. 

The time was now arrived, when he had been compelled 
to suffer an appointment to pass unkept. A recurrence of 
the necessity was the occasion of the following letter to Mrs. 
G. ; dated, " Concord, July 27, 1838. 

" What we had both so much reason to fear respecting my 
health, has been realized. It was with much difficulty and 
distress, that, on the day I left you, I reached this place, 
quite exhausted and unable longer to sit up. In the course 
of the evening, I was visited three times by a physician ; 
had watchers through the night, and took much medicine. 
Before morning, I had some relief, and have since beep 
gradually recovering. For this, I have much reason to be 
thankful to Him, who has so often saved, and so long pre- 
served my life. But here, I still am, again unable to keep 
my appointment at Holderness. Their disappointment will 
again be great, and their reliance on my future engagements 
still more diminished. * * * Weak as I am, I would 
yesterday have attempted to reach them, had it not appeared 
to my friends that the attempt would be madness. I regret, 
however, that I did not make it. * * * Perhaps a fatal 
relapse might have been the consequence. * * * But I 
should at least have given proof of my willingness to do all 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 501 

in my power. * * * * I begin cautiously to take food ; 
my strength is increasing ; and I may hope, through the 
blessing of God, soon to regain my usual health. My voice 
and my sight were yesterday much weakened ; but to-day 
they are some better. You will not, I hope, be disappointed, 
or displeased, that I write nothing but about myself. * * 
* * That the blessing of God may be with you and 
ours ; and that we may happily meet again, is still the prayer 
of 

Your affectionate husband, 

A. V. Griswold." 

From this time, he became, with increasing frequency, the 
subject of very dangerous attacks of illness, during his jour- 
neyings ; attacks, not originating in that chronic affection of 
the heart, which subsequently kept him in daily thoughts of 
death, but brought on by the effect of travel and exposure 
upon his constitution, and producing ordinarily a very violent 
inflammation of the bowels. Under these circumstances, it 
is easy to see, that every year, added to his already extended 
life, must have sensibly increased the soberness, not to say 
sadness, of his spirit amidst his still unslackened movements ; 
and made him long, with ever intenser yearnings, for that 
repose, which the undisturbed home of old age can alone 
secure. 

In a letter to his wife, dated Stockbridge, July 6th, 1840, 
he thus expresses himself: " It gives me much pleasure to 
hear from you, though the contents of your letter are, in part, 
of a painful nature. The concern, which you so kindly ex- 
press for my welfare and the continuance of my life, is 
truly grateful to my feelings. You have, indeed, reason to 
be concerned on my account ; for such is my state in regard 
to health, that you may reasonably live in continual expecta- 
tion of my sudden decease. Your company in these journey- 
ings would be a great comfort to me ; and all the greater 
were you yourself in a perfect state of health." * * * 
" My nights are lonely and wakeful, and filled with much 
thinking of you and home." 



502 MEMOIR OF THE 

On the 19th of April, 1842, he wrote to Mrs. G. from 
East Greenwich, R. I., just after having, with a bleeding 
heart, buried his second George ; one of the bright and lovely 
" little ones" whom he had thought so much of leaving in 
the sole care of a widowed mother. Immediately after the 
funeral, he set out on an appointed tour through Rhode 
Island. But Oh ! with what a stricken spirit did he journey ! 
What I shall soon have to add will put a deep meaning into 
the few words, which I here quote from his letter. "My 
journey, as you will suppose, is so far a mournful one. My 
heart is oppressed with sorrow. The thoughts of our dear 
George, almost continually night and day, occupy my mind. 
But, in connexion, I think of you also, and our dear Mary. 
* * * I intend, if practicable to get home on Friday ; 
but this is yet doubtful. My health is not good: I am 
threatened with some new and distressing complaints. I 
have reason to wonder and be thankful, that my case is not 
still worse. How the Lord will dispose of us is known to 
Him only. That He will give us grace in all things to sub- 
mit to His will, is the prayer of your affectionate husband, 

A. V. Griswold." 

Notwithstanding, however, the load, that was now bur- 
thening his spirit, and the presages of disease, which were 
gathering upon his body, he did not long remain at the home, 
to which he soon returned. With unwearied pace he still 
kept on his perilous path. On the 5th of May, before setting 
out again, we find him writing thus, from Boston : 

" Boston, May 5th, 1842. 
" Rev. and dear Sir, — When I reperuse your letter of 
March 28th, it reminds me forcibly of the infirmities of age, 
of which forgetfulness is among the chief. I was surprised, 
and am still much mortified, that, for so long a time, I should 
have neglected visiting your parish ; for certainly, there is 
no one Church in the Diocese that I would less willingly 
neglect. If I mistake not, there is already an understanding 
between us when I am next to be with you ; but, to prevent 
all mistake, I write now to mention Sunday, the 26th of 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 503 

June next, as the time when I hope, the Lord permitting, 
to unite with you in the services at St. Mary's. I find myself 
so oppressed with years and cares and sorrows, that I look 
forward with much of doubt and hesitation to future appoint- 
ments. My purpose is, to labor while the Lord shall give 
me any strength ; praying, with our Saviour, that it may be 
not as I will, but as He wills. 

With kindest regards to your family, 

Your affectionate friend and brother, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 
The Rev. A. L. Baury. 

This letter belongs rather to his public than to his private 
correspondence ; but it grows so directly out of his recent 
domestic afflictions, and is so much in the style of his private 
letters, that I have thought this a sufficiently suitable place 
for its insertion. On the 15th of May, after again setting 
forth on his journeys, he writes as follows, from Claremont, 
N. H. 

" My dear wife, — I sit down to write what I fear it will 
give you pain to read. Thursday, the day I left you, I 
arrived, well as usual, at Concord, where we had service. 
Early Friday morning, I went to Hopkinton, where, about 
noon, I was taken ill. I preached, however, in the after- 
noon, and again in the evening ; though too ill to sit up. 
The night following was one of the most distressing that I 
ever experienced. Prudence dictated that I should then re- 
turn home ; and had you been with me, I should no doubt 
have done so. But, being exceedingly desirous, if possible, 
to fulfil my appointments, I yesterday morning, (Saturday) 
set off at half past six to ride forty miles over a rough road, 
in a chaise and directly against a very cold and very strong 
northwest wind. I had a little, and but a little, hope, that 
riding would give me some ease : but it gave me none. I 
arrived here just before 5, P. M., where a large congrega- 
tion were collected to hear me preach. But that was im- 
possible. It was with difficulty that I could stand upon my 



504 MEMOIR OF THE 

feet. I sent immediately for a physician, who has visited 
me once in a few hours ever since. I was drenched with 
medicine, which has operated very slowly. The latter part 
of the night, and thus far to-day, I have been apparently 
some better. My case was very perilous ; and I had deter- 
mined, if no better to-day, to send some one for you ; though 
I thought much of the length and tediousness to you of such 
a journey, and how you might, like the friends of Bishop 
Moore, meet the corpse on your way. The people are, of 
course, much disappointed by my inability to attend the 
services to-day ; and I have relinquished all thought of going 
to Plainfield to-morrow. What will be on the morrow, I 
know not. I shall not finish this letter, till I better know 
how it will go with me. Do you be composed, my dear, 
and prepared for every event of God's Providence. You 
know well, that we must soon part ; and He best knows 
what time for parting will be best. 

" Monday 16th, P. M. I wrote the above, my dear, yester- 
day ; fearing I might be worse to-day, and unable to write 
at all. But, through the Lord's goodness, I am, it is hoped, 
slowly recovering. This morning, I preached and had con- 
firmation, though exceedingly weak ; and shall attempt, after 
this day, to fulfil my appointments, as you may see them on 
my memorandum. I have a fever yet, and no appetite at 
all for food. My flesh is already wasting. Saturday night, 
it seemed doubtful whether I should be to-day among the 
living. ***** 

" Tuesday morning, Ylth. I have broken open this letter, 
my dear, to tell you that, soon after sealing it, I was sudden- 
ly taken worse. After a sick night, I am better this morn- 
ing ; but have relinquished the hope of preaching any more 
on this journey. * * * * * I hope we shall 
meet again in this world. If not, I trust we shall in that 
better, whither many dear friends are gone before us. * 
* * * May God's blessing be with you all. 
Your affectionate husband, 

Alexander V. Griswold." 

Mrs. Amelia Griswold. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 505 

On the 19th he wrote again ; and it appears by his letter, 
that he gained strength enough to pursue his journey, though 
he performed little or no duty. " During the last two days," 
he writes, I have had no distressing pain, and am, I hope, 
slowly regaining my strength. I begin to take solid food, 
this morning especially, in considerable quantity; though 
feeling some concern what will be its effect. I have lost 
much flesh, for the short time of my illness. My face is 
shriveled and much changed ; but should I be able again to 
take my usual quantity of food, I may hope soon to regain, 
perhaps, even my usual appearance. 

" For your sake, my dear, I intend to be careful of my 
health : * * * * * and, as giving me opportunity to 
set my house in order, I am thankful for every day that is 
added to my span. ***** p or fo e g rst t j me j n 
my life my mouth is a little sore from the calomel, which I 
took. The physician treated me very much as Dr. Stephens 
did, when, in 1832, we were at Mr. Johnson's in Brooklyn. 
* * Had it pleased the Lord to preserve your health, 
you might aid me much in these journeyings. But, let us 
still say ; ' His will be done.' This lingering along, as I do, 
from day to day, unable to do any good, and my great dis- 
appointment in not being able to perform the duties, for 
which this visitation was undertaken, cause me, perhaps, too 
much anxiety. If so, may God forgive me." * * * 

His hopes of possible recovery from this dangerous attack 
were realized ; and he was soon again moving around his 
Diocese, looking quite as fresh, and walking quite as briskly 
as usual. Just before the election of his Assistant, Dr. East- 
burn, in September, 1842, he made a tour to the West of 
Massachusetts, during which he wrote from Pittsfield the 
last letter to his wife, which has fallen into my hands. It 
was dated, 

Pittsfield, August 25th, 1842. 

" My dear wife, — I write, as usual, a few lines to inform 
you how I get along in my journey. Thus far, it has been 
as well as could in reason be expected. The weather has 

uu 



506 MEMOIR OF THE 

been uniformly fine. My ride, the first day, for one so long, 
was unusually pleasant, and I was continually wishing that 
you could have enjoyed it with me. After arriving at Mr. 
Bright's" (the husband of that niece, to whose kindness 
these memoirs have been indebted,) " my regrets at your 
absence were so great as to diminish the enjoyment of my 
visit. Their situation" (near Northampton) " is, in my judg- 
ment, much better than Mr. Gardiner's in Maine. The 
view from the east front of the house is delightful, beyond 
what you can imagine without seeing it ; which I hope, 
sometime, you may. They seem to be exceedingly desirous 
that you should visit them, and w T ere not a little disappointed 
that you were not with me. They have fruits, in great 
abundance and variety. Excellent early apples they have 
had for a long time, and had then gathered many bushels 
more than they could use. They will have twenty or thirty 
bushels of peaches, on one tree of which they were fully 
ripe. Their plums also are in great abundance. 

" I did not venture to preach there but twice on Sunday; 
though besides that, I baptized one woman, confirmed ten 
persons, and administered the communion. 

"Monday morning, Mr. and Mrs. Bright took me in their 
carriage to Westfield, where we dined ; after which I parted 
with them, and took the rail-road cars. The scenery through 
the mountains to Pittsfield is awfully sublime. So much 
money has been expended in cutting through rocks, making 
bridges, &c, that the stockholders will not soon, if ever, be 
remunerated. * * * * The mail is about 

closing, and I must send this letter immediately, or it will 
not go to-day. Yesterday my health was bad ; but I feel 
better this morning. 

Your very affectionate husband, 

A. V. Griswold." 

Mrs. Amelia Griswold. 

After reading previous letters, one would hardly suppose 
it necessary for him to plead, as in this, that he had preached 
only twice on a Sunday, when, in addition to his preaching. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 507 

he baptized, confirmed and administered the communion ; 
and when he had so lately taken his right foot from the brink 
of the grave. Yet, such was his way ; and such the consti- 
tution of his body, which enabled him to pursue it. His 
attacks were usually violent ; but when they began to yield, 
he was straightway on his feet again, apparently as well as 
ever. 

His allusion in the above letter to the Rail-road cars, is 
the first, with which we meet, in either his journals or his 
letters. What months of tedious travel, in storm and flood ; 
over rough roads, and rugged mountains ; in piercing cold, 
and melting heat ; by public stage, and in open wagon ; 
with his mind stretching forwards, while his body dragged 
behind ; would have been saved to him, had the present 
ramified system of Rail-roads, which now spreads from 
Boston, throughout almost the whole of what was once the 
Eastern Diocese, been in existence and operation, when he 
first began his two and thirty years of perilous, and exhaust- 
ing joumeyings! But these journeyings are done. He rests 
from his labors, and his works do follow him. 

When Bishop Griswold first accepted the Episcopate of 
the Eastern Diocese, he wrote thus to the President of its 
electing Convention : " Trusting in God, and in their" (the 
members of the Convention's) " candid indulgence and 
friendly counsels, I shall devote my future hours to the good 
and benefit of those Churches, whom the Lord shall please 
to put under my care ; humbly endeavoring by zeal and dili- 
gence to supply what, in other talents, is deficient." We 
have now looked at the public labors, and at the private 
exercises, with which he filled his whole Episcopal life ; and 
are therefore ready to answer the question ; did he not sacred- 
ly keep the vow and promise, with which he entered on his 
work ? Did he not honestly and literally sacrifice that young 
and high ambition of mere literary fame, with which he once 
burned ; and bring the whole of those secret energies, which 
before were shooting up so tall on the outside of the vine- 
yard, into exclusive and wholly engrossed action within the 
sacred enclosure; that they might there rise high indeed, 



508 MEMOIR OF THE 

though with a holier tendency, and bear fruit an hundred 
fold to the glory of God ? Did he carry a divided heart 
through his many labors ? Was he not wholly Christ's, in 
his studies and in his toils, in his secret thoughts and in his 
constant prayers, in his sufferings of body and in his sorrows 
of heart ? To such questioning we can find but one answer. 
If there were ever a resolution kept to the full, from the 
moment, when it was first taken, till death settled the date, 
to which it ran, it was that, which he so early recorded, and 
which we so late have quoted. To his one work he conse- 
crated not merely the general course of his life, but almost 
literally his " hours." We can scarcely find even an hour, 
when he was not engaged either in devising or in doing 
something, which had a more or less exclusive reference to 
the glory of God in the good of His Church. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 509 



PAROCHIAL LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD, AFTER THE YEAR 1812. 

We withdraw, now, from the Diocese and the Episcopal 
life of the beloved subject of these memoirs. The thread of 
incidents and traits of character, which we here take up and 
prepare to follow, will conduct us only round the paiish, in 
which, after his consecration, he still continued to labor. 

What followed in his parish in 1812, about one year 
after his consecration, we have already seen in the simple 
account, which he himself has left, of that remarkable sea- 
son of revived attention to the subject of religion, during the 
summer of that favored year. From that period, he con- 
tinued his pastoral labors with unabated and even increased 
diligence, subject, of course, to the necessary interruptions 
brought in by his Episcopal visitations. During those visita- 
tions, his place was often, if not always, supplied by the 
Theological Students, who were residing with or near him, 
and who were admitted to officiate, as lay-readers , in his 
desk. The communications, which I have received, and 
which cover this part of his life and labors, are from those, 
who have lived in his family, or been connected with it by 
most intimate ties. The views, therefore, which these com- 
munications present, are from the testimony of eye and ear 
witnesses, and take us as nearly as possible to the subject of 
this portion of the memoir. And we see in them, not the 
distant and unapproachable prelate, but the humble, toilful, 
and simple parish minister ; moving among his flock, from 
house to house ; overlooking nothing in the minutest indi- 
vidual concerns ; whether among the lowly, or among those 
in higher estate ; whether in the chamber of sickness, or in 
the walks of the broken-hearted penitent ; and aspiring to 
nothing but the success of his labors, and an answer to his 
prayers, in saving the souls of those committed to his care ; 
whether they were the possessors of wealth, or the children 



510 MEMOIR OF THE 

of poverty; whether they lived in the enjoyment of educated 
leisure, or spent their days in honored toil. 

His elevation to the Episcopate wrought no change from 
the previous charming simplicity of his life and teachings, 
other than that of increasing his opportunities for doing good, 
and of making more public his elevated views of Christian 
duty. No appearance of even a desire of " Lording it over 
God's heritage," where he exerted the most unquestioned 
sway, was ever observable in his conduct. His former sys- 
tematic arrangement of time, his customary habits of self- 
denial, and his usual laborious endeavors to win souls to 
Christ, were daily carried with him after he was called to 
his highest ministry in the Church of God. 

The tendency and power of his ministry, in leading the 
mind to clear and discriminating views of Christian truth and 
duty, may be illustrated by the case of an intelligent lady, 
who, more than thirty years since, was providentially brought 
under his influence, upon the removal of her family to Bris- 
tol. Being then but a child, her first feelings, on seeing the 
holy man, as she followed the multitude on Sunday evenings 
to the Episcopal Church, were those of strong but undefined 
and childish admiration. Exceedingly thoughtless in her 
youth, it was through her fondness for variety and novelty 
that the services of the Church first attracted her attention. 
This, however, brought her, as it did Roger Viets, within 
new influences ; and she was at once charmed, with the ap- 
propriateness and simplicity of our services, but especially 
with the devout manner, in which they were performed. 
This, nevertheless, was but preparatory work. It was the 
very interesting and enlightening sermons, to which she 
listened, that now rivited her attention and gave a new im- 
pulse to her thoughts. She no longer felt, as formerly, im- 
patient for the close of the sermon ; but was sweetly con- 
strained to acknowledge, that what she heard was the truth, 
and that she was personally interested in its solemn import. 

As her attendance at Church became more frequent, the 
winning and impressive appeals of the preacher were made 
the means, through the blessing of the Spirit, of awakening 



LIFE OF BISHOP GUIS WOLD. 511 

her feelings to a deep and settled concern for her eternal 
interests ; and though, for a long time, she still continued to 
mingle with the gay and thoughtless, she yet found it impos- 
sible to divest herself of the conviction, that she must come 
out from among them and be separate. 

At length, the period of her indecision and of her struggle 
against convictions of truth and duty, was brought to an end ; 
and she became personally acquainted with Bishop Griswold. 
Then it was, that the full blessing of his influence was felt. 
The conceptions of childish admiration, instead of being 
erased from her mind, were confirmed ; and the ardor of her 
religious feelings, instead of being chilled, was fanned into a 
flame ; so charitable did she find him in his construction of 
her imperfect apprehensions of divine truth, so willing to im- 
part instruction, and so skilled in leading the inquiring mind 
to the Saviour. She found in hinf nothing austere, nothing 
dictatorial ; but a most accessible teacher, who discharged 
his heavenly commission by simply and meekly directing the 
sinner to the only ground of hope, the " rock Christ Jesus ;" 
while the singular devotedness of his whole being to his 
sacred calling, and his constant aim to recommend the re- 
ligion, which he taught, by a corresponding practice, fixed 
her esteem for his character, and served as a sort of nearer 
and inviting light in guiding her along the path of a divine 
life. And what she found in him at first, she found in him 
to the last. Though her intimate acquaintance with him and 
his family commenced soon after his consecration, yet all she 
saw, till the scene of his life closed, served but to confirm, 
instead of weakening those impressions of his eminent holi- 
ness^ which were engraven so indelibly on her young mind. 

What was here exhibited, in a particular case, is but 
a sample of what was exhibited in all cases, of a similar 
character, under the Bishop's parish ministry. His influence 
with individuals, as with society at large, was ever a grow- 
ing -influence. It was never lost on long and close acquain- 
tance. His preaching, indeed, was light rather than thunder ; 
yet it shewed itself to be the true Gospel by quietly and 
surely imparting true views of sin and of the Saviour, and by 



512 MEMOIR OF THE 

leading straight forwards to high views of Christian separate- 
ness, and to a high standard of Christian duty. 

Of his more familiar labors, during the week, his ministry 
a out of season," an equally definite and favorable view has 
been furnished. During the year 1819, one of the sons of 
his friend, Judge Tyng, went to reside in Bristol, as a student 
of Theology under Bishop Griswold. Young Tyng subse- 
quently became the Bishop's son-in-law, by marriage with 
his daughter, Ann D' Wolf Griswold ; and from him, as the 
present eminent Rector of the Church of the Epiphany in 
Philadelphia, have been received contributions of great value 
to this part of the memoir. His opportunities for observa- 
tion and correct judgment were, of course, of the best kind. 
" The veneration and affection, which I had cordially enter- 
tained for him," says Dr. Tyng, " upon going to reside in 
Bristol, were matured and confirmed. He indulged me in a 
more intimate acquaintance than I had dared to hope ; our 
subsequent family connexion brought us still more closely 
together ; and until his death, he was to me, uniformly, a 
confiding and affectionate father, and allowed me to be on 
the most free and filial terms with him." 

The account, which Dr. Tyng gives, of the Bishop's 
familiar and social labors among his people, is interesting ; 
and I cannot do better than imbody the substance of it in 
this part of the memoir. 

" When I had been in Bristol about a week," says Doc- 
tor T., " The Bishop observed to me one day ; C I wish you 
to attend a meeting with me in the country this evening ; and 
I will call for you after tea.' He came accordingly ; and we 
walked about a mile to a neighborhood, called ' The Neck;' 
where the rooms of a farm-house were entirely filled with 
people, waiting his arrival. He sat down among them at a 
little table, and, after singing and prayer, expounded to them 
a chapter in the Epistle to the Romans, in that familiar and 
simple manner, in which he so much excelled, and in which 
all, who listened to him, were deeply interested. I cannot 
describe the impressions, which this whole occasion made 
upon me. The condescension and meekness, with which 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 513 

he thus familiarly walked out with a youth like me ; the per- 
fectly unassuming manner, in which he appeared among the 
rustic congregation, assembled to meet him ; the simplicity 
and tenderness of his discourse ; the tremulous sweetness of 
his voice, as he raised the tune in singing ; were all such 
new and striking facts to me, that I was surprised as well as 
delighted with the whole occasion. It immediately obviated 
all the objections, which I could have imagined against 
meetings of this kind ; while it interested my heart in them 
as an important means of spiritual good. The Bishop opened 
this service with a selection of prayers from the Liturgy, and 
closed it with an extemporaneous prayer, in which duty he 
excelled almost all, whom I have ever heard. This, I be- 
lieve, was the first private meeting, which I attended with 
him. Subsequently, I became so much accustomed to 
meetings of this kind, that I had a full opportunity for per- 
ceiving all the blessings and advantages, which flowed from 
them to the people : and my subsequent long experience has 
led to an entire confirmation of opinion and judgment on 
this subject in coincidence with those of Bishop Griswold. 

" The circumstances of this first meeting, which I attend- 
ed with him, interested me so deeply, that I have seldom or 
never passed the house since without having the scene 
brought vividly again before my mind. His weekly meet- 
ings were generally of this social and private character ; 
and were uniformly conducted in the same manner, with 
that, which I have described. There were sometimes two, 
or more, such meetings in the week ; — and there were sea- 
sons, when they were increased to a still greater number. 
When he was at home, he attended them himself; though, 
even then, he required of his theological students frequent 
addresses and exhortations to the people assembled ; so 
that thus his ministry was, not only a continual example and 
source of instruction, but also, in the opportunity for prac- 
tical exercise in the duties of their future ministry, which 
he gave them, of the greatest service in perfecting their 
qualifications, and in forming their habits for future useful- 
ness. During his absence, on his Episcopal visitations, 



514 MEMOIR OF THE 

these opportunities were multiplied ; for then, his candidates 
for orders had not only his place in these private meetings, 
but also his place in parochial duties, and especially in the 
public services of Sunday, to supply in their capacity as 
lay-readers ; — and, as he was always absent several months 
in the year, they were thus kept in the virtual work of the 
ministry for no small portion of the time, while pursuing 
their theological studies. 

" I have never seen the Bishop in a more affecting rela- 
tion, than in this private ministry among his own people ; 
meeting with their gathered assemblies, and visiting them 
from house to house. Here he shone pre-eminently as a 
man of deep and rich religious experience, holiness and 
love. On some of his pastoral visits, especially among 
the poor and the suffering of his flock, he would take one 
of us with him. Some of the scenes thus exhibited I still 
recall with deep satisfaction. I have walked with him 
through the lanes and back-streets of the town, and among 
the cottages and chambers of the poor ; — I have listened 
there to his affectionate and familiar religious counsel and 
conversation, and to his deeply fervent and affecting prayers ; 
I have witnessed the humility of his own character, and 
the affection of his people for their faithful pastor, as these 
traits exhibited themselves under aspects of peculiar inte- 
rest and power ; — and his whole system of ministry has 
thus inspired me with increasing reverence, and more af- 
fectionate confidence, every day that I spent with him. The 
advantages, which we, who were students, received as 
candidates for the ministry, may be readily understood. To 
me they were made the guide and standard of all the suc- 
ceeding labors of my life." 

It is undoubtedly true that the secret of Bishop Griswold's 
success in his parish ministry, so far as this secret is to be 
found in the fitness of means to an end, resided in those 
traits of character and life, which we have thus seen in 
action ; his eminent holiness, and his manifestly entire de- 
votion to his work ; the spirit of true prayer, as it came 
out in his actions, and the light of the true Gospel, as it 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 515 

shone forth in his conversation ; mingled, as all these were, 
with an uncommon humility, which let him right down to 
the understandings and the feelings, the artless fellowship 
and the home affections, of even the lowliest of his flock. 
He had, undeniably, a great store of learning ; and even 
talents and powers of mind, which, had he chosen to put 
them under the life-long training of an ambition to shine 
and be admired, would have enabled him to achieve what 
the multitude are ever ready to regard as a reputation by 
no means unenviable. And yet, he had not, by nature, 
either a faculty, or a fondness for a striking display of learn- 
ing, or for popular exhibitions of intellectual strength. It 
was not thus that God gave him his power over the sub- 
jects of his ministry. The secret of this power lay in his 
eminence as a literal follower of Jesus Christ. There was, 
in him and about him, that spirit of holy devotedness to 
his Master, and of holy separateness from the world, which, 
while it was not displayed, could not be concealed; and 
which even humility itself did but make more affectingly 
manifest. 

His manner of spending every Lord's-day in his parish 
was a beautiful illustration of these remarks. It is, in sub- 
stance, the testimony of one, who lived long under his 
ministry, that, on this day, the deep spirituality of his mind 
shone forth most conspicuous. Scrupulously avoiding every 
thing, that related to worldly affairs, he passed the interme- 
diate hours of public worship chiefly in his study. Appa- 
rently absorbed in divine communings, he yet never forgot 
the moment for public service; — was ever first to lead 
the way to the Sanctuary ; and while he remained within 
the courts of the Lord, both before and after service, would 
almost literally obey the divine injunction, " keep silence 
before Him." Distinctly is it remembered by his near 
friends, with what solemnity he was accustomed to speak 
on this subject; " deeply regretting that even professors of 
religion would sometimes indulge in frivolous conversation 
immediately after joining in the sacred services of the 
Church ; and earnestly wishing that not even a word might 



516 MEMOIR OF THE 

be spoken until every one had left the Sanctuary." His 
whole manner of spending Sunday was a living illustration 
of his exalted piety, and must have been a result of his 
clear perceptions of what constitutes a life of holiness. Nor 
was this illustration a weekly excrescence on the body of 
his piety. " It is refreshing," says an intimate friend, " to 
look back and see him moving along the straight line of 
duty ; sustaining his high standard of practical religion by a 
consistent walk during the week ; and shewing, in his own 
daily life and conversation, the literal practicability of those 
precepts, which he enjoyed on the Sabbath." 

There is a page in one of his private journals, on which 
he records his own views and feelings on the subject of the 
last paragraph. During one of his visitations in 1823, he 
says ; " In most of the congregations, in which, during this 
tour, I have officiated, I have noticed with no small satis- 
faction, an improvement in one expression of devout feel- 
ing ; — a solemn pause after the benediction ; either to offer 
to God a private prayer, or from an unwillingness to disturb 
others in their private devotions. May not this indicate 
some general increase of piety, or growth in grace ? O 
gracious God, may l thy kingdom come.' When, after 
the solemnities of public social worship, and the preaching 
of Christ crucified, the congregation hurry out of the Lord's 
house, with no apparent seriousness, no indications of a 
praying heart, — there can be but little hope that they have 
profited by the word spoken. Such people, after ' they go 
their way,' are likely straightway to l forget what manner of 
men they are.' " 

But I must hasten to a more particular notice of the results 
of his parish ministry. In one of his diaries, evidently kept 
at home, a single leaf of which has been preserved, are the 
following entries for the month of June, 1818. 

" 18th. The state of religion in my parish is low. Yet 
public worship is not neglected ; and a hearing ear remains. 
This is a favorable symptom. For some days it has been 
impressed on my mind, for which I can give no particular 
reason, that the Lord will soon visit us with the refreshings 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 517 

of His grace. May this not be a vain hope. Visit us, 
Lord, with thy salvation." 

" 19th. This day has been refreshing. An unexpected 
number of children were presented for baptism. Lord, 
bless and increase the piety of thy people, who desire to 
offer to Thee what is most dear to their own hearts. * * 
One adult offered herself to God. She appears to be truly 
awakened by His Spirit. May she prove the first fruits of 
a glorious harvest." 

" 20th. c Cumbered with much serving.' By the in- 
cessant intrusion of worldly cares, my mind is too much 
diverted from better things. How much, by nature, do we 
incline to any thing rather than the one thing needful." 

" 21st. The Lord's-day. To the Lord may it be de- 
voted. What wonders of Divine goodness, what unspeak- 
able mercies, does it recall to mind ! O thou friend of 
hopeless, worthless sinners ! may this day and every day be 
thine. The services of the day have been refreshing ; and 
the hope brightens that the Lord will visit us with his sal- 
vation." 

One month later, on the 20th of July, of the same year, 
and in the same diary, appears the following : " One more 
humble soul, as we trust, has been received into the fold of 
Christ's Church. May an abundant shower follow these re- 
freshing droppings of Divine grace." 

I make the above extracts, not because the hopes, which 
they express, were immediately and largely realized, but 
because they shew the habit of the Bishop's mind in his 
parish ministry. They evince not only that he labored dili- 
gently in dependence on God, but also that he looked for 
a large blessing on his labors ; and that he looked for this 
blessing with an ardency of longing, and a carefulness of 
self-inspection, which might well be received as a gracious 
foretoken, that he would not be permitted always to labor 
and look and long in vain. 

With various success in his ministry, his parish moved 
forward, till the opening of the year 1820, eighteen months 
from the date of the above extracts ; when a somewhat 

ww 



518 MEMOIR OF THE 

alarming declension from religious life was found spreading 
through his flock. The weekly evening meetings were 
thinly attended. And aged Christians were mourning over 
the manifest decay, and longing for the return of days when 
the Divine Spirit, in rich demonstrations of his power, had 
been known to rest on the ministration of the word and 
ordinances of God's house. 

It was, in this state of things, when the Bishop had been 
several weeks at home, after the close of his previous 
year's journeyings, that he commenced a series of Wednes- 
day evening lectures in the Church. The meeting for social 
prayer and religious instruction, as already described, was 
then held every Thursday evening, and in a small school- 
room near the Church. At this meeting, the attendance was 
now so much reduced, that, on one occasion, but thirteen 
persons were present. This, to the few who came, reveal- 
ed the depth of the affliction, which had fallen on their pa- 
rish, and filled the spirit of the Bishop especially with lively 
grief. So keenly did anxiety for his people pierce and 
wound his heart, that it evidently became, if not the sole, 
yet the aggravating cause of the calamity, which speedily 
befell him. On the succeeding Wednesday evening, his 
congregation assembled for a continuance of his new series 
of lectures. He went through the services as usual ; — but, 
in the midst of his discourse, he was suddenly seized 
with an illness, which compelled him to stop, leave his pul- 
pit, and retire to his chamber, where for weeks his life 
hung in imminent peril. This was the sickness, to which 
he refers in one of his letters to the Rev. Mr. Pratt, of the 
Church Missionary Society in England, and from which he 
was then so slowly recovering. 

The public services were of course closed, the moment he 
left his pulpit. But the congregation were deeply affected by 
the event, which had interrupted them. It proved the most 
powerful sermon that God ever sent them by his servant. 
The affliction, which they felt, and their consciousness that 
their own lukewarmness was aggravating the sufferings of 
their beloved pastor, were made the means of an immediate 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 5l9 

and extensive spiritual awakening. In various parts of the 
Church, religious anxiety and alarm were instantly manifest. 
Little knots of people were seen gathered, here and there, 
round those who were before becoming interested in the 
subject of religion, and who were now awakened to mourn 
for sin. The voice of social prayer was heard among them ; 
especially that of aged Christians, who, after suitable con- 
versation with them, were earnestly commending their case to 
God. It was a late hourbefore the people were content to re- 
tire ; and when they did so, it was with a very different mind 
from that, in which they had assembled. Subsequent evi- 
dence shewed that the awakening in the parish was univer- 
sal, even among those, who did not attend the lecture that 
evening. 

The care of the parish now devolved on the two candi- 
dates for orders, who were studying with the Bishop, and 
of whom Mr. Tyng was one. By him the facts of this 
narrative have been kindly communicated. 

The very next day brought calls from every quarter for 
religious instruction and aid. The Bishop also sent forth 
his young assistants, (especially Mr. Tyng, as having, at 
that period, more leisure from his studies,) to seek through 
the congregation for those members of the flock, who were 
anxious to hear their shepherd's voice. Every where, evi- 
dence of an awakening influence presented itself. The 
ensuing evening, being that of the customary weekly meet- 
ing for prayer and religious instruction, brought out so large 
a congregation, that, although they adjourned from the little 
school-room to a large private dwelling house, there yet was 
not space enough to receive them. The rooms, entries, and 
stair-cases were crowded ; and the area around the doors 
and windows was equally filled. The deepest solemnity 
reigned. Not a heart seemed untouched, unmoved. Tears 
flowed from the eyes of many present ; and though the in- 
strumentality of labor had fallen into youthful hands, yet 
was the Lord pleased to make the power of his Spirit mani- 
fest and effectual. 



520 MEMOIR OF THE 

From this time, for many weeks, the subject of religion, 
the salvation of their souls, — engrossed the thoughts of all. 
There was now, no anxious and careworn minister, urging 
a lukewarm and reluctant people to duty ; — but an awaken- 
ed and anxious people calling eagerly for more labor than 
could be performed. For several weeks, there were two, 
and sometimes three meetings every day ; and all crowded 
with intensely interested congregations. 

This change in the condition of his parish greatly cheered 
and comforted the sick pastor. He was not only confined 
to his room, but utterly unable to receive even the visits of 
his parishioners for conversation. He could only allow his 
young assistants occasionally to come in and give him an 
account of the surprising movement around him, as one 
after another of those, over whom he had so earnestly watch- 
ed, became the happy subject of the Spirit's renewing work. 
In his greatest weakness, however, he continued to give di- 
rections and advice for the government of those, upon 
whom the temporary care of his parish was resting. These 
youthful, yet efficient helpers were occasionally aided by a 
visit from a neighboring clergyman ; — and after several 
weeks, the Bishop secured the services of the Rev. George 
Tafl of North Providence, whose labors proved truly ac- 
ceptable, and were evidently blessed. 

It was at least three months before the Bishop was able 
to preach another sermon. Before that time, however, and 
as soon as he left his chamber, he collected, in his dining 
room, those who had become most decided Christians, as 
well as those who were most anxious to know the way of 
life ; — and there, weak as he still was, sat down in the 
midst of them to instruct them more perfectly in the know- 
ledge of that way, and to guide them more safely to the 
Saviour, whom they sought. These were truly most affect- 
ing scenes. He was still so extremely feeble that his 
family hardly dared to hope for his permanent recovery. 
Every word, therefore, which he uttered, was with an unc- 
tion and an influence, which few could have resisted, and 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 521 

which none present wished to resist. And finally, when he 
was at length able to resume his labors in public, he had 
the sacred pleasure of laying his hands in confirmation on 
about one hundred persons, and admitting them to the 
Lord's table, as the fruits of this gracious shedding forth of 
the Holy Spirit upon his beloved flock. Among them 
were two of his own children. 

As in the former case, in 1812, the work was not confined 
to his own parish. The other congregations in the town 
were largely, perhaps equally, blessed. Such a season of all- 
pervading concern for the interests of the soul, says Dr. 
Tyng, " I have never since seen. For some days all busi- 
ness seemed suspended ; * * * and the 
whole aspect of the place was that of one long Sabbath. At 
every corner were persons gathered in religious conversa- 
tion. One subject of consideration seemed to occupy all 
minds. Few, indeed, were they, who felt no interest in it. 
Many now in heaven, and many still on earth are rejoicing 
in the blessed effects of that l season of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord.' " 

Upon the series of incidents, which I have now recorded, 
it will not be inappropriate to offer a remark. 

It is manifest, then, that these incidents were not the 
effects of mere human agency and contrivance. Amidst the 
influences, which then reigned, men were used, and men 
were affected. But, except so far as the regular means of 
grace were previously employed, men were used, not in 
originating those influences, but merely in cherishing and 
receiving them, with all their happy effects. The blessing 
evidently came in God's own way, and according to His 
gracious measure. The people, indeed, had been long 
trained to a knowledge of the truth, and kept in a greater 
or less sensibility to its power. They had seen it alive in 
their pastor, and were prepared for large measures of its 
effects on their own hearts and lives. But they needed a 
greater quickening under its power ; and this quickening 
came in a way, which they least expected, and for which 
they were least prepared. It came in a way, which took 

WW* 



522 MEMOIR OF THE 

the thoughts off from mere human agency, and which car- 
ried all the glory of these fruits of the Gospel, where it 
of right belonged, to God alone, who so graciously " shed 
forth that, which we have seen and heard." 

What, then, shall we say to such things ? Shall we say, 
that they were a special honor conferred on the Church, in 
the legitimate use of appointed means, and through a minis- 
try of the pure Gospel ? Or shall we say, that such things 
were not designed for the Church, and are not the develop- 
ments to be sought in the ordinary use of means ? In op- 
posing such things, shall we run the risk, if peradventure 
God be in them, of virtually saying to Him ; " Withhold 
now thine hand ; and restrain from us the living influences 
of thy free Spirit?" On the contrary, is it not our wisdom, 
if we cannot see it to be our duty to look and long and labor 
for such special fruits of our ministry, at least to hold our 
peace, when they come ; and leave God, in His own way 
and His own measure, to honor His own Church and His 
own faithfully administered means of grace ? 

" The whole circumstances of the winter, to which I 
have referred," says Dr. Tyng, in closing his statement of 
the facts, which have been narrated, " were to me most 
wonderful. I have always considered the labors, to which 
I was then called, the very best part of my education for 
the ministry. There was, in the Bishop's character and 
labors, nothing, that encouraged extravagances of any kind. 
He was extremely fond of social religious meetings among 
his people, and had a high opinion of their value and in- 
fluence. But I saw nothing, and now remember nothing in 
those meetings, to which any real Christian could reasonably 
object. Their influence was a manifest blessing. I have 
never seen a people more truly devoted to the welfare and 
institutions of our Church, than those of his parish. And 
the whole of my subsequent experience and observation 
has convinced me, that, while no objections can be made 
against such a system of ministry as that, which Bishop 
Griswold adopted, the real prosperity of religion may always 
be expected to follow from its practice. In such peculiar 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 523 

seasons, as that, to which I have referred, some few unim- 
portant things may occur, which are afterwards found to be 
inexpedient. But these are temporary and soon pass by ; — 
while the real advantages of the system of labor, from which 
they have grown, are permanent and most valuable." 

Of the dangerous character of the illness, through which 
the Bishop was passing, while his parish was thus realizing 
God's blessing on his past labors, anxieties and prayers, 
we may judge from the statement of the friend, to whom 
this part of the memoir has already been indebted. 

" I was," says she, " on a visit to his daughters at the 
time ; and distinctly remember the circumstances of the dis- 
tressing scene, when he only appeared calm. In view of 
his expected departure, he was perfectly composed, and 
gave such directions as proved that he thought himself near 
his end. He ordered some packages of his sermons to be 
burned in his presence, decidedly resisting the solicitations 
of some, present, to spare them. To one of his daughters 
he gave directions where to find other parcels of them, 
which she was requested to destroy in case of his death. I 
can recollect no particulars of his conversation at the time ; 
only, in general, that he spoke freely about leaving the 
world. One remark is now the only exception. ' Why,' 
said he, as he noticed the grief of his afflicted family, — 
' Why should I be unwilling to go home ?' " 

There spoke the heart of the Bishop. Heaven was its 
home ; because, tenderly as it cleaved to family and to pa- 
rishioners on earth, its best treasures were on high. Dili- 
gently as he loved to labor in the Church, he yet felt that, 
for him, ",to depart and be with Christ was far better." 

His manner of life among his parishioners was ever that of 
modest, unpretending simplicity. He delighted in rural 
scenes and in rural employments. His garden was cultivated 
by his own hands, and yielded him great pleasure. He 
never laid aside, in this respect, his early habits. Dr. Tyng 
relates an anecdote, as " a curious illustration" of this point. 
" A friend, in the neighborhood of Bristol, told him one day 
that he had a large quantity of apples, of which he should be 



524 MEMOIR OF THE 

glad to give his pastor a load ; but that he had no means of 
conveying them. The Bishop answered, that he would 
provide for that. In a few days, he accordingly walked out 
to the farm, procured a yoke of oxen, yoked them to the cart, 
loaded it with apples, and drove them home himself." " And 
yet," adds Dr. Tyng, " all these things he could do with- 
out any affectation of singularity or parade." To relieve his 
female domestics, "he uniformly cleaned the shoes of his 
guests ; playfully remarking that he was thus washing the 
saints' feet." 

I have already spoken of the assistance, which in his 
parish ministry, the Bishop received from the Theological 
Students and candidates for orders under his immediate care. 
This assistance he most richly repaid in the benefits which 
his ministry, instructions and influence conferred on their 
theological attainments and on their Christian characters. 
This the remarks of Dr. Tyng have already made manifest. 
I add here a letter, the testimony of which is of peculiar 
value ; as it illustrates the power of the Bishop's ministry 
over a mind of high order, both in its native powers, and in 
its educational accomplishments. I refer to the late Rev. 
James Wallis Eastburn, brother to the present beloved 
Bishop of Massachusetts. Young Eastburn was a student of 
Divinity under Bishop Griswold some time before the winter, 
which has just been reviewed. And it was there, while 
strolling through the romantic scenery of Montaup, and along 
the shores of the bordering and beautiful Narraganset, and 
while collecting there the still lingering traditions of old 
Indian warfare, that he became possessed of the materials, 
which he and his friend, Sands, subsequently wove into that 
sweet poem, " Yamoyden," or, " A Tale of the wars of king 
Philip." This accomplished young Christian, whose open- 
ing ministry gave promise of so much reputation to himself, 
and of so much usefulness in the service of Christ, was early 
called to the brighter glories and the better ministries of the 
upper Church. And it was in the midst of the dangerous 
illness of the winter of 1820, probably after its most immedi- 
ate danger was past, that Bishop Griswold managed, not- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 525 

withstanding his great weakness, to write a letter of sympa- 
thy to the afflicted parents. It is to the elder Mr. Eastburn's 
answer to this letter that I have referred, as illustrative of 
the power of the Bishop's ministry. Mr. Eastburn's letter 
was dated, 

"New York, 10th February, 1820. 

" Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, — I had heard of your serious 
indisposition, and was becoming, in the midst of other severe 
troubles, exceedingly uneasy on account of it. Your wel- 
come letter has, in some degree, relieved my anxiety. Con- 
templating the present state of the Church, I have inwardly 
said ; < It cannot spare your labors yet.' Your example, 
your talents, your devotion to the service of Evangelical 
truth, all say loudly that c for you to live is Christ.' Yet I 
am checked in these reflections. The Head of the Church 
knows how long, and for what purposes, He needs his min- 
isters. Their work being accomplished, he takes them to 
himself, to dwell with those, who, having turned many to 
righteousness, shall shine as the stars forever and ever. 

" Your letter was received by Mrs. Eastburn and myself 
with emotions strong, but consolatory. Deep as our loss 
seems to us, we do not weep alone. To have sympathy, 
such as you feel, calms a great deal of that perturbation, 
which agitates and affects our hearts. We realize that our 
loss is no common one ; but we rejoice that those qualities, 
which marked the character of our dear, perhaps, to us, too 
dear — departed child, were not confined to our solitary, 
partial observation. We see that he will be remembered as 
the servant of God, in dispensing His Sacred Word, and as 
the beloved friend of all, who claimed any intimacy with his 
retiring disposition." 

After mentioning his intention to collect and publish a 
memoir, with the literary remains of his son, and requesting 
Bishop Griswold to communicate any facts and observations, 
which might be of service in the undertaking, Mr. Eastburn 
proceeds : 



526 MEMOIR OF THE 

" There is one most interesting fact, which James com- 
municated to his mother, and which I feel it my duty to 
mention to you. When he went to Bristol, he was, exter- 
nally, a Christian without reproach ; but he said, ' his heart 
was unchanged, and his views unsanctified.' He added : 
( it was under your searching ministry that light first broke 
in upon his mind, and was followed by an entire renewal of 
heart, and a consequent change in all his views. 5 It was 
this circumstance, in connexion with many others, which 
determined the nature, and fixed the strength of his attach- 
ment to you." 

After recurring to the subject of the proposed publication, 

Mr. E. thus concludes ; " Praying most earnestly that your 

life and health may be long preserved, to the edification of 

the Church of God, I remain, in great affliction, 

Rt. Rev. and dear Sir, 

Yours, most truly and sincerely, 

James Eastburn." 
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold. 

How much of the true light of the Gospel has Bishop Gris- 
wold been the means of leaving behind him in the world, to 
shine on in the ministry and lives of those, whom he was the 
instrument of bringing out of darkness ! To the simple foun- 
tain of his consecrated influence may be traced unusually 
numerous streams of ministerial labor, which are still flowing 
over the earth, full of the waters of life. 

To go through with a regular history of Bishop Griswold's 
parish ministry is not, of course, the object of this part of the 
memoir. To give a clear idea of the character and results 
of that ministry, and of the character and labors of the man, 
while executing it, is all that I have had in view. This 
clear idea is now, I trust, before the mind of the reader. It 
will be enough, therefore, to add, in this place, that such, as 
we have seen him in his work, thus far, he continued to be 
till his removal to Salem. There his residence was too brief 
to give full scope and results to such a ministry as his ; while 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 527 

the growth of his Diocese, and the multiplicationof his more 
public duties necessarily diminished the amount of labor, 
which he was able to bestow on the parish. Even there, 
however, his labors were richly blessed ; and he had a warm 
home in the best esteem and affections of his people. The 
congregation of St. Peter's rapidly increased under his minis- 
try ; their ancient Church edifice gave place to one of larger 
dimensions, more enduring materials, and more appropriate 
architecture ; and the best interests of religion felt an eleva- 
ting and an onward impulse from the blessings of God on 
his faithful labors and on his effectual and fervent prayers. 

His characteristics, both as a man and as a preacher, have 
been so long passing in practical review before us, that it is 
unnecessary to pause here for the purpose of either enumera- 
ting, or describing them. What more remains to be seen 
and to be said of him, will naturally come up when we pro- 
ceed to follow him, away from both his Diocese and his 
parish, through the more interior and withdrawn relations of 
his domestic life. 



528 MEMOIR OF THE 



DOMESTIC LIFE AND CHARACTER OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 

The last thread in the private life of Bishop Griswold, 
which remains to be traced, was variously colored. What 
he was in his family, we can very easily conceive from what 
we have seen of him in all the other relations of life ; the 
just man, the hospitable friend, the affectionate and faithful 
husband, the tender and exemplary parent, the eminently 
blameless and holy Christian in all his most retired and daily 
walks ; inspiring in all, who most closely and habitually 
observed him, the most entire respect, and the most unques- 
tioning confidence. Perhaps the best human tribute, that 
can be paid to Christian character, is that, which a father 
receives from his children, when he so walks, from day to 
day, and from year to year, before those silent but most 
searching observers, as never for a moment to excite, in 
their inmost thoughts, a doubt of the reality and value of his 
religion, or of the sincerity and truth of his religious profes- 
sions. This tribute, I have reason to believe, was awarded 
by his children to the subject of this memoir. During the 
whole of his Episcopal life, his house was a sort of home for 
his clergy, whenever they visited the place of his residence ; 
and for transient clergymen, who were seeking, through his 
influence, a place of settlement. His children, of course, had 
many opportunities for silently observing and comparing the 
characters of a great number of the ministers of Christ. And 
the respect, which they all felt for religion, together with the 
fact that an unusually large proportion of them were them- 
selves truly religious, is, on the whole, a very valuable testi- 
mony to the character of those, whom they were called thus 
closely to observe. And yet, I once heard one of his daughters 
make the remark, that she had often been pained by notic- 
ing in the clergy, who visited the family, things not perfectly 
consistent with their high and holy character and office ; that 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 529 

she had never seen but one, in whom no such inconsistency 
was observable ; and that this was the one, whom she had 
known longest and observed most closely, her own revered 
father. 

Of children, the Bishop, as we have seen, was naturally 
and remarkably fond. And yet, after he became a Bishop, 
so numerous and engrossing were his cares, and so little time 
had he, consequently, for his necessary studies, that he was 
seldom, or never, able to spend a moment in that free and 
endearing intercourse with his own children, in which the 
heart of a tender parent so much delights. He thus became, 
by degrees and habitually, reserved and distant in his inter- 
course with them. Incessant business, and study which he 
might not forego, made this unavoidable. Of this fact, his 
son, the Rev. George Griswold, takes notice in one of his 
letters ; attributing his father's reserve to the right cause, but 
mourning over its effects, in preventing that free, unbosom- 
ing confidence, which is ever so desirable, between parent 
and child . And yet, his children were never wanting in 
tender affection for him, or in unquestioning confidence in 
him. Nor did the Bishop himself ever lose his natural fond- 
ness for children. It is to this, as well as to his remarkable 
power of self- abstraction, in the midst of surrounding con- 
versation and business, that we may attribute the circum- 
stance, that the playful noises of children in the same room 
never disturbed him in the midst of even his profoundest 
studies. Says one of his friends, from whose communica- 
tion I have already quoted : " He could, when occasion re- 
quired, abstract his mind in a remarkable degree, yet without 
becoming wholly regardless of what was passing in his 
presence. If, as it often happened, he was engaged in 
writing or other study in the same room with his family, an 
occasional appeal to him, while it received an immediately 
intelligent and appropriate reply, yet seemed no interruption 
to his pursuits. And I have heard him say, that the noise 
of children in the same room never disturbed his studies, 
unless it was the noise of discord." 

XX 



530 MEMOIR OF THE 

A little anecdote, which has reached me, shews very 
beautifully how long and how livingly, he retained his 
natural fondness for little children. He had broken away 
from the confinement, the labors and the studies of his win- 
ter season, and gone, one sweet spring, upon a tour into Ver- 
mont ; with all his peculiar sensibilities alive and open to 
the blessed influences of all-rejoicing nature ; the magnifi- 
cence of mountain scenes, the fragrance of the fields, and the 
music of the groves. At Middlebury, after the labors of the 
day in that place, he was sitting in his usual quiet and silent 
mood, enjoying the luxury of the season and the scene, when 
the children of his friend and hostess came romping past him 
in all that mirth and glee, which childhood only knows. 
Their mother bade them, " hush ;" lest they should disturb 
the good Bishop. " Oh no !" said he, with a smile as cheer- 
ful and a voice as winning as theirs, " let them play : their 
little noises are sweeter to me than the music of the birds." 

The following home-sketches are, in substance, from the 
friend, of whom I have so often spoken. 

" Of his hospitality, I would fain speak ; for it was one of 
the most conspicuous traits of his character. It would how- 
ever be scarce possible to do justice to the delight, which he 
evinced, in obeying on this subject the divine injunction. 
Not merely to the clergy of his Diocese, who always found 
his house a home whenever they pleased ; but also the friend 
and stranger were alike sure to meet a welcome reception ; 
and his obliging manner would seem to imply that they were 
rather confering than receiving a favor by their visit. 

His natural taciturnity was perceptibly thrown off while 
performing the rites of hospitality. He shewed great pleasure, 
when even the youthful associates of his children were present 
to share those rites ; and always encouraged a free and 
generous intercourse between his own and the children of 
all his acquaintance ; wholly disregarding in this the arbi- 
trary distinctions of wealth and influence. 

To those about him, it was a subject of admiring wonder 
that one so encompassed and often harassed, as he was, 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 531 

with public toils and cares, and so oppressed, as he some- 
times was, with domestic griefs and trials, should be able to 
meet them all with an equanimity of mind, which no circum- 
stances of difficulty, however perplexing, could move to the 
utterance of an unchristian feeling. There were no detached 
periods, no great occasions of his life, when his peculiar and 
distinguished virtues shone with a special lustre, as though 
they were a something put on to suit the time or the place. 
They were a consistent whole ; the daily apparel of his soul ; 
and among them his Christian lowliness was, if possible, 
most perceptible and most habitual. That his praise was in 
all his Churches, he well knew ; that his near friends and 
immediate parishioners almost idolized him, he knew as well : 
yet all this knowledge only deepened his humility ; to such 
close self-examination was he habituated ; and so severely 
did he compare himself with the divine requirements, and 
not with any human standard. 

His accessibility to his friends and parishioners, at all times, 
was remarkable. A smile of pleasant recognition, peculiar 
to himself, was ever ready to greet them, whenever, and how 
often- so ever, they might call. Not unfrequently, an indi- 
vidual would so prolong his visit, as seriously to involve the 
exercise of his patience, in listening to details of unimpor- 
tant matters, and when it would seem a waste of his precious 
time to be thus engrossed. But the same patient forbearance, 
Which characterized him on other occasions, was here also 
exhibited, in striving to inform the ignorant, and to make 
them feel that they had a claim on his time and attention as 
their spiritual father and guide. 

Economy, he said, he practiced more from principle, than 
from necessity. He considered it the Christian's duty to be 
economical, that he might have the more to " give to him 
that needeth." It was of time, however, that he was most 
economical. Rising at an early hour, he industriously pro- 
secuted the duties of each day, as they demanded his atten- 
tion ; discharging each and all with singular fidelity. 

In consequence of his economy of money, it is known, to 
the writer, that he not only saved enough to prevent the 



532 MEMOIR OF THE 

actual suffering of those whom he might leave behind, but 
also through life was constant in his benefactions to the suf- 
fering poor, and to the customary objects of Christian bene- 
ficence. He received with gratitude; but he gave with 

joy- 

" His self-denial was always great. As a proof that he 
would not indulge in self-gratification, he would never, till 
age and infirmity rendered such indulgence necessary, go out 
of his way, or prolong a journey, to visit the wonderful 
scenes of nature, of which he was nevertheless so fond. 
Many times," (says his friend) " he told me, his journeyings 
took him within twenty miles of the White mountains ; but 
he had never indulged in a nearer view of them." Though 
his heart longed for a sight of those stupendous works of God, 
he yet passed them by, simply because the pressure of his 
multiplied duties was so great and so constant, that con- 
science would have been more troubled by their neglect than 
even his natural tastes would have been gratified by indul- 
gence. 

His conversational powers were exceedingly great, when- 
ever he would allow them to be drawn out. Occasionally, 
his friends enjoyed opportunities for this ; either when travel- 
ling with him, or when presuming to elicit his views on im- 
portant subjects, at home. The call of friendship for impor- 
tant information, or instruction, which he had it in his power 
to impart, was a key which often succeeded in unlocking his 
rich and varied treasures. 

"It is an error to suppose that Bishop Griswold, in the 
daily cultivation of his eminent holiness, had to contend with 
no opposition from within ; or that his habitually devotional 
spirit was the easy growth of an amiable and passive tempera- 
ment. Those, who are best qualified to judge, know best 
the falseness of this conclusion. In early life, and before the 
more distinct development of his Christian character, he was 
disposed to be very satirical. With naturally quick percep- 
tions, a discriminating mind, and an abundance of wit ; a 
little reflection will suffice to shew that the indulgence of his 
strong propensities was not calculated to produce a devo- 



LIFE OF BrSHOP GRISWOLD. 533 

tional spirit. No : his piety was no easy growth of a facile, 
unresisting nature. It was God's blessing, through the 
powerful influences of the Spirit, on his laborious endeavor, 
his strong wrestling with nature, his ever struggling resolve, 
to subdue his disposition, and to < bring every thought into 
captivity to the obedience of Christ,' it was this, that gave 
him so perfect a victory ; this that proved the secret of his 
amazing advancement in holiness of life. He was never off 
his guard, always at his post, in this divinely-sustained war- 
fare against the evil workings of nature within." 

In these short sketches, the friend, who so kindly furnished 
them, will observe that the writer has taken some liberty in 
transposition, change of phraseology, and occasional addition 
from his other stores : but the substance of her communica- 
tion remains, in all its value, as the testimony of an eye and 
ear witness. 

The Bishop's friendships were peculiarly close and cordial ; 
and being of a specially Christian character, were seldom or 
never terminated but by death. Carefully formed, he clung 
to them for life ; and the death of one tried friend made him 
cling more fondly to those who remained. He had the most 
delicate perception of the true nature and value of friendship. 
None, better than he, understood and appreciated the mean- 
ing of that weighty word ; and it is to be regreted, that the 
writer has succeeded in recovering so few of his private 
letters to those, whom he classed among the number of his 
special friends. In addition, however, to the few of this 
kind, which have been already interwoven with this work, 
I insert here two or three, as appropriate to this part. 

The first is in the form of a communication to the Album 
of a Lady, dated, 

« Bristol, August 7 th, 1824. 
" Your Album, dear madam, has fallen into hands au- 
thorized, though unworthy, to blot its unsullied pages. 
Viewing them, as the symbol of a pure mind, unstained by 
an evil thought, capable of receiving durable impressions, 
good or evil, and of containing the treasures of knowledge 



534 MEMOIR OF THE 

and wisdom, I touch them with diffidence and trepidation. 
But, when I view this little book as destined to the very in- 
teresting purpose of being the repository of friendship , I am 
not insensible to the favor of being numbered among those, 
whom you are pleased to honor. 

" Friendship, truly so called, is among the noblest virtues, 
of which the human soul, and perhaps any created being, is 
capable. It is one of the fairest branches of that charity, 
which is the essence and perfection of all moral goodness. 
On earth, it was first planted and, strange to tell, first viola- 
ted, in Paradise. Nothing can restore it to its primitive 
lustre but that infinite remedy, which Divine mercy has pro- 
vided for our fallen nature. There are, indeed, worldly at- 
tachments, dignified by the name of friendship, which are 
c enmity with God' and disgraceful to humanity. Friend- 
ship, which is interested and mercenary ; which is given for 
value received; which may be bought and sold as a commodi- 
ty in the market ; is falsely so called. That love, which is 
supremely fixed on God, and is evinced by a general philan- 
thropy and a diffusive benevolence, is the only sure basis of 
this, as of every social virtue. Particular attachments, 
founded on affinity, on virtuous connexions, or on any esti- 
mable qualities of the person beloved, are perfectly consist- 
ent with the Christian duty of loving all men. Such was 
the friendship of our blessed Saviour for his beloved disci- 
ple, John. Nature requires and Christianity allows, that our 
affections should be stronger in proportion as our connexions 
are more close and interesting. Love, like attraction, in- 
creases as distances are diminished, and operates most power- 
fully when bodies are in contact. True friendship is but a 
modification of love : it is the source of the greatest joys of 
this world, and will constitute, no doubt, our greatest felici- 
ty in heaven. But that, which is the most pure, is the easiest 
sullied. A wound received in the house of a friend, un- 
kindness from those, whom we love, or with whom we are 
nearly connected, is intolerable. A bosom friend has been 
aptly compared to c the apple of an eye ;' while pure and 
unsullied, it is a source of extreme delight; but the least 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 535 

mote will change its joys to insufferable pain. Where con- 
nexions are near and tender, mutual benevolence, and 
reciprocal offices of love produce exquisite sensations of 
pleasure; and the least unkindness, as great anguish and dis- 
tress. 

But, to you, are these things, by the happiest experience, 
far better known than I can express them. Blest as you are 
with the smiles of fortune, and with the richest endowments 
of nature and (we trust) of grace, and encompassed by an 
extensive circle of admiring and devoted friends, I have but 
to wish and to pray, that you may long continue a blessing 
to the society, which you so much adorn, and make such use 
of these distinguishing mercies, that immortal felicity may 
be your still happier portion. 

A. V. Griswold." 

The next is a letter to a Christian friend, who had written 
to ask his Christian counsel ; and shews him the wise coun- 
sellor as well as the faithful friend. 

"Boston, February 22d, 1839. 

u My dear Miss B., — Accept my thanks for the pleasure, 
which I had in reading your kind favor by Mr. C. I have 
arrived at an age, when ' days are dark, and friends are few.' 
Old friends are yearly passing from the stage of life ; and 
new ones I can no longer expect to find. That I am not 
yet forgotten of one, whom I have ever and much esteemed, 
is no small consolation." 

After noticing a fruitless attempt to see this friend, while 
passing through Providence, he proceeds : 

" I regreted it the more as I might have conversed with 
you on the subject of your letter much more freely and parti- 
cularly than I can write. Indeed, I know not what to write. 
If it be the case, that you have not all the comforts of reli- 
gious belief and practice, which you desire, or once had, it 
is certainly just cause of serious concern. The remedy is, 
generally, to strive against the evil ; and particularly, to be 
more frequent and more earnest in prayer, and in the use of 



536 MEMOIR OF THE 

all the means of grace. Among them, the attendance on 
public worship, which you mention, is not of least impor- 
tance. In this attendance, we should endeavor that our per- 
sonal esteem or dislike of individuals, with whom we wor- 
ship, do not disturb our devotions, nor frustrate our edifica- 
tion. And if a minister of Christ preaches the truth as it is 
in Jesus Christ, and his life is not materially at variance with 
his doctrine, we should bear with his infirmities, and not be 
extreme to mark what is amiss. In vain will you look for 
perfection in man. He, who excels in one thing, is likely 
to be deficient in another. The less we trust in an arm of 
flesh, the greater will be our security. The most of us are 
in peril of being, in religion even, too much influenced by 
our partialities. 

" Again ; not only is the want of religious enjoyment the 
result of neglect on our part; but it may sometimes be in- 
flicted as a trial of our faith and trust in God, and an exer- 
cise of our patient perseverance. David, who was eminent- 
ly pious, and a ' man after God's own heart,' was often and 
much afflicted with such trials ; and his experience is re- 
corded as an ensample to Christians. In the book of Psalms, 
indeed, we may learn how to conduct ourselves under every 
trial, and in every state, to which we are called. 

" How far, in your case, it may be right, or expedient to 
change your place of worship, I am not now prepared to 
give an opinion. I hope, indeed, soon to see you ; when, if 
the Lord permit, we may converse on that subject. That, 
in this and all things, the Lord will direct and bless you, is 
the prayer of 

Your very affectionate friend, 

Alex. V. Griswold." 

The last is part of a letter to a friend, whose daughter had 
recently been visited with a peculiarly painful affliction. 

" Boston, August 21st, 1840. 

" My Dear Mrs. A., — On my return from a journey of a 
few weeks, I have the pleasure of receiving your much es- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 537 

teemed favor of the 17th. Two or three times, within the 
last six weeks, I have commenced writing to you ; thinking 
that I had leisure to express my thankfulness for your kind- 
ness, and my high estimation of yourself and family ; — 
prompted, I trust, by no intention of useless compliment, 
but by a desire to express the sincere feelings of a grateful 
affection. But, it so happened that, at each time, I was in- 
terrupted ; and even now I am preparing to commence an- 
other journey. * * * * * * ■* 
* * On my last short visit, at your house, on my 
way to Westerly, to ordain the young Mr. Fales, of whom 
you make mention, and a Mr. Babcock, whom we believe 
to be not less estimable and promising, I was, of course, 
sorry not to see you : I was, however, very kindly received 
by Mr. A., and your lovely, saint-like daughter. I have 
witnessed but few things, in the course of a long life, that 
have more excited my admiration, than the calm and truly 
Christian resignation, with which she appears to submit to 
one of the greatest disappointments, and one of the most 
heart-rending trials, which appertain to this our state of hu- 
manity. How comforting is the word, which declares that 
c all things work together for good to them that love God, to 
them, who are the called according to His purpose !' And 
how great is the blessing of being under the Providential 
care of Him, who knows, infinitely better than ourselves, 
what we need ! What, perhaps, we ought most to fear, is, 
that our sins may provoke Him to withdraw His grace ; to 
let us alone ; to let all things be according to our own mind. 
I doubt not but, hereafter, his people will rejoice and mag- 
nify His name for His goodness, vouchsafed in many of 
those afflictions, which, in this life, seem almost insupport- 
able. 

With kind regards to Mr. A., and all your family, 
Your most sincere, and very affectionate friend, 

Alex. V. Griswold." 

But, we must turn away from mere general sketches of 
domestic character and life, and from the pleasing intercourse 



538 MEMOIR OF THE 

of private friendship, to other views of our subject. The 
domestic life of Bishop Griswold had its dark as well as 
its bright scenes. It was emphatically a life of sorrows. 
When he removed from Harwinton to Bristol, he took with 
him a beloved wife and eight beautiful and promising chil- 
dren. When he left Bristol for Salem, they were all, with a 
single exception, sleeping among the dead : and the one 
excepted, soon followed them ; as did three of the other 
sir, who were born after his settlement in Bristol ; — so that, 
of his whole household of fourteen, but three survived the 
date of his own decease. 

But, his were peculiarly sanctified sorrows. If his emi- 
nent holiness was, in part, the fruit of God's blessing on 
his own strenuous warfare, through life, with the strong 
tendencies of nature within him ; it was also, in no in- 
considerable measure, the result of the sanctifying influences 
of the Holy Spirit, as they commingled, in sweet and bless- 
ed power, with the deep and ever deepening stream of his 
griefs. With a constitutional temperament like his, so full 
of the workings of powerful sentiment, and so strongly in- 
clined to a contemplative and pensive sadness, if not to 
depression and even to despondency ; his numerous afflic- 
tions, spread, as they were, at intervals over a large portion 
of his long life, could not but move him strongly, and leave 
on his nature deep and indelible traces. And yet, mingled, 
as these many afflictions were, with the daily exercise of a 
most devoutly submissive and obedient heart, they richly 
blessed the nature, which they so strongly moved ; and 
every trace, which they left on it, was a line of heavenly 
beauty ; adding, here a little and there a little, to the grow- 
ing image within his soul of his most loved and worshiped 
Lord. 

Of the successive deaths, which occurred in his family, 
I have received but few special notices. His first wife 
died silently and almost instantaneously, while he was sleep- 
ing by her side, on the night of the 10th of September, 
1817. They had both retired to rest in their usual health. 
But, in the course of the night, he was aroused by an un- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GMSWOLD. 539 

usual sound ; and, upon speaking to her, perceived that 
something strange affected her. He sprang for a light ; but, 
upon returning with it to the bed-side, her spirit was not 
there. The lifeless body of his dear companion alone re- 
mained. Dark, indeed, was that night to him ; and dark, 
many of the nights and days, which followed it. Three of 
his beautiful children had already faded out of his sight ; 
and now he was left, without a conjugal sharer in his sor- 
rows, to stand alone and see the rest droop and disappear. 
And yet, he stood not alone ; for God was with him ; and 
his nights and days were not dark ; for the light of the 
Divine countenance was shining on his soul. 

Perhaps, the affliction, which most severely tried, and 
most nearly prostrated, his physical powers, was, the death 
of his daughter, Julia, in 1826. Being about nineteen 
years old when her mother died, and her only elder sister, 
who survived, being married to Mr. John D'Wolf, — she 
at once found herself called to the difficult and responsible 
position of sister-mother to the younger children of the 
family. In this position, she had, for eight years, been the 
female head of her father's household, the companion of 
his widowed days, and the sharer of his confidence and his 
cares ; and, being a woman of uncommon loveliness of na- 
tive and of Christian character, his heart cleaved to her 
with even more than the ordinary tenderness of a father for 
a favorite daughter. When, therefore, she also began to 
pale before the approach of the wan destroyer of his family, 
and at length lay cold under the wasting touch of a con- 
sumption, although his faith bore the stroke without a mur- 
mur, and his submission bent meekly beneath his Father's 
chastening, yet his natural man reeled before the shock, and 
seemed ready to become a broken as well as a bruised reed. 
The friend, whom I have so often quoted, and who was 
then much in his family, says ; that, " soon after his daugh- 
ter Julia's death, his despondency became quite alarming ; 
and fears were felt, that he would sink under the pressure 
of this peculiarly distressing visitation. He was, indeed, 
grateful for the kind attempts of his friends to comfort him ; 



540 MEMOIR OF THE 

yet he justified himself in his deep mourning, on the ground 
that he t was called to mourn ; that there was a cause for all 
the suffering, which God brought upon his people ; — and 
that we but carried out His purposes in bringing such trials 
upon us, by yielding to the impulses of our hearts in weep- 
ing, mourning and lamentation ; — although this would profit 
us nothing without the accompaniment of prayer, that the 
affliction might be sanctified.' " 

How he was carried through this sore bereavement, we 
have seen, in the brief notice formerly taken of his journey 
to Canada in the summer of 1826 ; — how, during that ex- 
cursion in company with two dear friends, he was soothed 
in mind and invigorated in health, while looking abroad 
upon the bright and beautiful works of his Father, and ob- 
serving the numberless new and interesting objects, which 
solicited his attention along the way ; — yet how, on his re- 
turn, as he approached his twice lonely and desolated home, 
he felt the inner spring of his sorrows opened afresh, and 
the momentary rushing through his soul of their yet full 
and bitter waters. 

In the little Church-yard in Bristol, and just behind the 
chancel, is a row of eight white marble tomb-stones. It is the 
burial-place of that part of the Bishop's family, which he 
left behind, on his removal to Salem ; and the epitaphs, 
which he caused to be inscribed on their memorials, are 
peculiarly expressive of the feelings, with which he laid 
them successively, side by side, in their lowly sleep. Thus, 
when his wife was called suddenly from her midnight 
slumbers, — he could hear, in the startling summons, nought 
but the voice of God ; and so he wrote over her ; — " Not 
as I will, Heavenly Father, but as Thou wilt." But, 
when his daughter Julia faded slowly before him, although 
he heard that same voice still, nor murmured at its bidding, 
yet he heard it with the ear of a father's heart. Nature 
sighed, while grace submitted ; and so, he graved on her 
marble ; — " Ye, that pass by, behold and see, if there be 
any sorrow like unto my sorrow." Similarly appropriate 
inscriptions are read above the rest ; — and many a thought- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 541 

ful passer-by has been reminded by them, that affliction was 
the furnace, in which the gold of his character was puri- 
fied ; and that it was " through much tribulation" that he 
finally " entered into the Kingdom of God." 

For nearly two years after the death of this daughter, 
the Bishop lived on in his loneliness ; — but at the close of 
the year 1827, or the opening of 1828, he entered into a 
second matrimonial connexion. The lady whom he mar- 
ried, was Mrs. Amelia Smith, whose former husband was 
a brother of the present Bishop of Kentucky. In this worthy 
lady, he found a new soother of his days, and a new shar- 
er of his cares ; — and with her, as his numerous letters, 
some of which have been quoted, shew, he lived in happy 
and growing affection till the day of his death. 

The next breach, which was made upon his family, was 
in the decease of his son, the Rev. George Griswold, of 
which I have already made mention. He was a young 
clergyman of great piety and promise ; officiated for a while 
in Trinity Church, Boston, and, after Dr. Jarvis's resignation, 
in St. Paul's ; was settled, for a while, over the new parish 
in Northampton ; and finally became the assistant and suc- 
cessor of Dr. Keith, in the Rectorship of Christ Church, 
Alexandria. 

The early days of this dear youth were days of sadness ; 
and made him long familiar with the thought of a brief term 
of life ; at times, even anxious for his better home on high. 
A few extracts from his letters to his father may serve to 
engage our sympathy in the checkered experiences of his 
youth. 

Writing from Northampton, August 7th, 1826, he says ; 
" I know it will afford you sincere gratification to learn that 
we continue to be prospered here, equally with our highest 
anticipations. * * * I am indulging the hope 
and belief, that I have, at length, found the place, which is 
to be the scene of my future labors, and the test of my at- 
tachment to the cause, to which my life has been dedicated. 
Indeed, as I cannot reasonably indulge the expectation, any 
more than I have the wish, that my term of life will be a 

YY 



542 MEMOIR OF THE 

long one, I fain cherish the hope that, while it continues, it 
may be usefully employed. That life is long enough, which 
has sufficed to accomplish the true object of living." 

Again, from the same place, on the 16th January, 1827, 
after his health had more seriously failed, and he found it 
impossible to continue the writing of two sermons a week ; 
while his nerves were much shattered, and he had before 
him the prospect of being obliged either wholly, or in part, 
to relinquish the ministry ; — he says : — 

" You may judge from these things, that I get at times 
sadly out of spirits. Nothing but my religious hopes and 
principles enables me to sustain the heavy burdens of lite. 
As it is, I sometimes almost sink under it ; and my short ex- 
perience has already had the effect to sicken me of its con- 
tinuance. But, I endeavor to possess my soul in patience, 
and to follow your example in suffering affliction without 
murmuring. I ought not to have written in this strain to 
you, who are already oppressed with sorrows of your own. 
But, I cannot help sometimes thinking, that, if the will of 
God were so, it would be better for me to depart, while 
there are so few ties to bind me to life, than to wait till ha- 
bit, or other connexions, shall have wedded me to this im- 
perfect existence. Indeed, unless otherwise situated, than 
at present, my troubles in this world will not probably be of 
long continuance." ****** 
" I was in hopes that Miss McClintock would, ere this, have 
found time to write me. I feel more satisfaction in her 
sympathy than in that of any other person ; indeed, I know 
none like minded with her ; so willing to enter into my 
feelings, or so able to appreciate them." 

After his removal to a warmer climate in Alexandria, the 
flame of his life and hopes burnt up more brightly ; and he 
even began to be pleased with the thought of a longer pe- 
riod of life and usefulness. Hence he writes as follows, 
March 8th, 1828 : 

" I find my new situation thus far realizing all my antici- 
pations. The early period of my life has been so deeply 
tinged with gloom, both from what I have myself expe- 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 543 

rienced of the vanity of all earthly possessions, and from 
what I have seen endured by yourself and others, that my 
expectations of enjoyment, from any source this side heaven, 
are far from being sanguine. Indeed, I sometimes feel as 
if nothing but peculiar grace had enabled me to sustain the 
heavy burthen of existence, which has at times weighed me 
down almost to the verge of despair ; and, on a careful re- 
view of my last four or five years, I can only say ; ' hitherto 
hath the Lord helped me.' I have sometimes thought my- 
self cut off from all hope of ever being of any use in the 
world, and on the point of being taken away as a cumberer 
of the ground. But, present circumstances encourage the 
hope, that I may yet be of some service in my day and gene- 
ration, before I go hence and be no more seen." 

This period of sunshine, however, proved as brief as it 
was bright. After his settlement, as Dr. Keith's successor, 
and his marriage with Miss Coombs of Washington, his 
health again sunk ; and he was induced to try a voyage to 
Cuba, in the hope of its recovery, and of being still permit- 
ted to enjoy the new and delightful relations, into which he 
had so recently entered. Vain hope ! After spending the 
winter abroad without benefit, he returned to New York, 
only to learn, that both his wife and the little one, whom, 
during his absence, she had borne him, had just been laid 
together in the tomb ! With barely strength enough to 
support his steps, he therefore hastened home to Bristol ; — 
feeling no other wish than to embrace once more his beloved 
and honored parent, and there, amidst his now intensely 
kindled longings after heaven, to lay down his weary head 
and die. He survived his return three months, and was 
then at rest. 

This was, in a strong sense, a triple bereavement to 
Bishop Griswold ; but, like others, which preceded and 
followed it, while it struck away the prop, on which he had 
rested his hope of seeing a son and survivor in the ministry, 
it did but make him lean more confidingly on God, and 
grow strong for the better ministry, which, in heaven, 
awaited both father and son. The remains of the deceased 



544 MEMOIR OF THE 

were removed to Washington, that they might rest with 
those of his young wife and child. 

Several subsequent deaths occurred in the Bishop's family ; 
but none, of which I have received any account, till we come 
to the last before his own ; that of his second George, which 
occurred in April, 1842. This child was the " son of his 
old age," and worthy perhaps of being specially beloved. 
From Dr. Hale, the family physician, and from others, I 
have received some of the facts, connected with his last 
illness. 

He was a most interesting lad of twelve years of age ; a 
boy of high promise, both in mental and in moral endow- 
ments. His scholarship was of a superior order ; and his 
religious developments, unusual for his years. But, in the 
spring of 1842, he was suddenly attacked by the scarlet 
fever ; and so overwelming was the onset that, in forty- 
eight hours, there ceased to be any ground of hope for his 
recovery. A sort of indistinct hope, indeed, was fostered 
by the mere fact that he still lived ; but, it was little better 
than hoping against hope. And yet, he lingered a whole 
w T eek longer, though in a raving delirium, and in great ap- 
parent distress. For much of the time, the only evidence, 
that he was conscious even of the presence of his parents, 
was in the fact of his quiet stillness, while they were pray- 
ing with him, or reading to him the Scriptures. It was 
most affecting to notice the subdued agony of his father, as 
he would, from time to time, approach the bed-side of the 
little sufferer, — look at him, for a moment, in silent earnest- 
ness, — and then withdraw to his own room ; — again, and 
again returning and withdrawing, at intervals of a few 
minutes ; with a repetition of the same silent act, the same 
silent look, of intense, but unuttered anguish. In his with- 
drawn moments he was often heard engaged in prayer for 
the sick one ; especially that the dear child might be per- 
mitted, before his departure, to give some token of con- 
sciousness, and of his being accepted of God. And appa- 
rently the desire was granted. For just before the closing 
scene, it was announced, that George had a lucid interval, and 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 545 

was engaged in prayer. Instantly, the father was kneeling 
atthe foot of his bed, and, with a full gush of tears, listening 
to the simple, intelligent and fervent supplications of his 
dying child for his beloved parents, as well as for his own 
soul. After this, the little sufferer relapsed into his delirium, 
and soon expired.* 

This sickness and death, says Dr. Hale, were attended 
with a " most striking exhibition of the Bishop's Christian 
virtues. It reminded one most forcibly of the case oi 
David, when mourning for his sick child." There was, in- 
deed, the same silent, and submissive, yet prostrate and 
agonizing waiting upon God, while the child lived ; and 
this was followed by a similar immediate and calm return 
to duty, as soon as the child was dead ; — for, the morning 
after the funeral, the Bishop set off, as we have seen, for 
Rhode Island, in fulfilment of long-standing appointments ; 
suppressing his deep grief, that he might fail in no plighted 
duty. 

Thus, onwards, for a few months longer, were his days 
of mourning passed. In the outward condition of his Dio- 
cese, as we have seen, those days were at length overspread 
with the sunshine of calm prosperity. Yet this was, to him, 
but the breaking out of a setting sun, around which the 
quiet and chastened griefs of his own mind hung a softened 
and sober drapery of clouds. This drapery, it is true, was 
all tinged and burnished with rich and glorious colors ; 
still, those colors were but as the mellow lights which some- 

* It is, perhaps, worthy of record, that this lamented youth belonged to an 
association of lads in Boston, about his own age, for mutual improvement; 
and that it was his turn to read a composition on the Saturday evening 
of the week, in which he was taken ill. His essay was found after his 
decease; had been written the very evening before his attack; and had 
for its subject; "sudden death." This topic was probably suggested 
by a recent instance of such death, which had excited much interest among 
his companions : but it cannot be doubted, that the manner, in which 
he had heard the subject habitually referred to in the family, exerted a 
strong influence on his mind both in determining his choice and in giving 
color to his thoughts. 



546 MEMOIR OF THE 

times come over the forehead of evening, just before he 
gathers around his head the thick curtains of night. 

The measure of Bishop Gris wold's life was, in truth, 
full ; full of years, and full of usefulness ; — with no more 
sorrows to be added ; and with few more days for the ripen- 
ing of those fruits of holiness, which grow from sorrows 
sanctified. Even his labors, which lasted as long as his 
life, were speedily to terminate. For, scarcely had he, at 
the close of the year 1842, laid his ordaining hand on the 
head of his successor, and felt that there was a living song 
of peace and joy ascending to heaven from the heart of his 
Diocese, when the word went forth ; " Thy work is finished. 
Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the 
joy of thy Lord." 

In the closing incidents of his life, there was something 
exceedingly peculiar. On Saturday, the 11th of February, 
1843, the aged Bishop closes his essays on the Reformation ; 
the last sentence of which contains these words of weight 
to every Protestant Episcopalian ; " c To the law and the 
testimony ;' use ' the liberty wherewith Christ hath made 
you free ;' ' Search the Scriptures, 5 and pray God so to en- 
lighten your minds, that you may truly understand them." 
This done, he lays down his pen, and proceeds to a neigh- 
boring town to meet an official appointment. The morning 
of Wednesday, the 15th, however, finds him at home again, 
and girding himself for further work. At his usual early 
hour, he gathers his family around him, and reads the sa- 
cred page. The chapter in course is the first in the Epistle 
to the Philippians, — in which the following passage arrests 
a special attention : "For me to live is Christ, and to die 
is gain. But, if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my la- 
bor ; yet what I shall choose, I wot not ; for I am in a straight 
betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with 
Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to abide in the 
flesh is more needful for you." Closing the book, he now 
commends his household, in morning prayer, to their Father 
in heaven ; listens to the music of a favorite air, whose 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 547 

pensive strain is in harmony with his spirit ; and then en- 
ters on the customary duties of the day. As it wears to- 
wards its close, one of those duties calls him to the resi- 
dence of Bishop Eastburn. Thither, therefore, he sets 
forth ; and, with his usual firm step, he approaches the 
house. Here, however, he finds himself, in an instant, 
amidst the scenes, which blend eternity with time. The 
last sand in the glass of his life drops. His step falters, and 
he falls ; — rises again, and reaches the door. It was the 
limit of his race. With his last step he bows his head to 
the threshold, and — dies. In the presence of his son in the 
Church, he rests at once from his labors ; and, without a 
sigh or a groan, feels " mortality swallowed up of life." 

So God willed. And thus, long- warned, yet at last un- 
warned, — this faithful servant closed his toils and laid down 
his commission, yielded his ready spirit, and dropped his 
rich mantle, at the very feet of him, who had been sent to 
stand up in his stead, to carry forward his work, and to 
ripen into his graces. 

The immediate cause of Bishop Griswold's death, it is 
admitted, was, a disease of the heart. The existence of 
this disease had, for some time, been made manifest by the 
fact, that any sudden excitement, or strong effort, as that 
of rapid walking, caused pain at that seat of life, and com- 
pelled an instant pause from all exertion. But the length of 
time, during which this disease had been chronic, is pro- 
bably much less than is by many supposed. Some have 
believed that, for more than twenty years, he was subject 
to the disease, of which he finally died. But this belief is 
not borne out by the testimony of his family physician, Dr. 
Hale, of Boston ; a man, whose eminence in his profession 
justifies the strongest confidence in his medical opinions. 
It may not be uninteresting, and will not be inappropriate, 
before closing these memoirs, to insert the substance of Dr. 
Hale's remarks on this subject. 

" My first professional visit to Bishop Griswold," observes 
Dr. H., " was, I think, in the Spring of 1836. It was for 
an attack of the palsy, which proved to be slight, although, 



548 MEMOIR OF THE 

at first, it threatened to be serious. I was much struck by 
the strong conviction, which he expressed, that it was likely 
to be speedily fatal ; or, at least, that it would render him 
helpless, and lay him aside for the remainder of his life. 
There was no appearance of excitement or alarm, attending 
this apprehension ; but a sort of quiet, submissive prepara- 
tion for such an event ; and this, at the very first moments 
after the attack ; for he perceived the paralysis, on awaking 
early in the morning, and I was with him a few minutes 
afterwards. During his convalescence, I had a conversation 
with him on the subject ; and remember asking, what had 
given him the strong impression, that that attack would be 
fatal ? He answered, that he had long looked forward to about 
that age, as the latest probable period of his life, and thought 
there was a probability that palsy would be the means of its 
termination. He considered his bodily constitution much 
like that of his mother; who died of the palsy about the same 
age, to which he had then attained. He had, besides, 
observed the failure of his voice, for some time previous ; 
had attributed it (perhaps justly) to a slight incipient para- 
lysis; and regarded it as an indication and an admonition, 
that more serious attacks, of the same kind, awaited him. 

" I was strongly impressed, by this conversation, with the 
remarkable knowledge of himself, which it exhibited ; with 
his readiness to receive every intimation of the frailties of 
advancing age ; and especially, with his watchful expecta- 
tion of sudden death, and his habitual preparation for such 
an event. This last circumstance became, in all his subse- 
quent illnesses, a prominent feature in his exhibitions of char- 
acter. To such an exent did it lead him to regard every attack 
as likely to prove fatal, that one, who knew not the source 
of the impression, to which I have adverted, would have 
been very apt to mistake his feeling for despondence, or de- 
pression. His constant expectation of sudden death had a 
strong influence on his habitual conversation, when in his 
usual health ; and was the chief source of his great anxiety, 
during the last few years of his life, for the appointment of 
an Assistant Bishop. 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 549 

" There is a general impression, that this strong feeling 
arose from his knowledge of that disease of the heart, which 
ultimately proved fatal to his life. I am confident, that this 
is a mistake. I am fully persuaded, that the feeling had its 
origin in that watchful preparation for death, and that con- 
stant expectation of it, which he had long cultivated as a 
habit of Christian duty, without reference to any particular 
manner of its approach, and long before he felt any serious 
anxiety about the disease of the heart. He had, it is true, a 
slight irregularity of the pulse for many years. He occasion- 
ally called my attention to it, I should think earlier than the 
time of his paralytic attack. But, it was not such as to excite 
any solicitude for the time being, nor until long after. I am 
quite confident, it did not enter, at all, into the reasons men- 
tioned in the conversation, to which I have referred, of ex- 
pecting a sudden death at that time. 

" In the winter of 1837, he had a long illness, with a dis- 
tressing cough, attended with much suffering. His disease, 
then, was chiefly, a severe catarrh, (technically, bronchitis,) 
of a very obstinate character. His system would never bear 
opiates well ; and it was therefore extremely difficult either 
to relieve, or to palliate his suffering. During the whole of 
this disease, the affection of the heart, if it existed at all, did 
not give him any sensible trouble. 

" In the winter of 1840, (I think it was) he had another 
similar attack; with the exception, that it began with a 
severe and true pneumonia. This, however, yielded in a 
few days, and the disease settled into a sort of catarrhal affec- 
tion, which proved very obstinate and distressing. During 
this, as in the previous attack, he suffered very little, if at 
all, from the difficulty in the heart ; although, in the interval, 
it had manifested itself with some degree of distinctness. In 
the course of the following year, however, 1841, the disease 
of the heart became more obvious ; and more so still, in 
1842. Even then, however, it was as a warning of future 
danger, rather than as a cause of much present suffering, that 
it exhibited itself; and, inasmuch as there was little, or no 
probability of reaching it beneficially with medicinal reme- 



550 MEMOIR OF THE 

dies, I purposely, so far as I could, avoided directing his at- 
tention to it. 

"In the last few months of his life, he suffered much more, 
and several times had more obvious threatenings of speedy 
death, from attacks of inflammation in the bowels, than from 
the disease of the heart. It happened, that all these attacks 
were daring his absences from home ; when, of course, I 
could not see him in them. The most severe was in New 
Hampshire, in the course of his last visitation to that State, 
in the summer, or autumn of 1842. He was very ill ; and 
yet, the moment he obtained a little relief, he pushed his 
visits from station to station, suffering repeated relapses, until 
his life was brought into imminent peril. Late in the autumn, 
he had another severe, but short attack, (I think) at Worces- 
ter. 

" I have not spoken of his deportment in these several at- 
tacks, because there was in it nothing peculiar, as compared 
with his habitual ' conduct and conversation" at other times. 
That he was always calm, submissive and patient, would 
naturally be expected from the uncommon uniformity of his 
Christian character. He exhibited great evenness of tempera- 
ment, with no excitements into religious rapture, and no de- 
pressions into religious gloom. He had, as already explained, 
an habitual tendency to judge unfavorably of his prospect of 
recovery ; but there was not in this the least appearance of 
despondency in view of the result." 

And, why should there have been? Heaven was the 
home of his spirit. Earth had long been but his place of 
labor and of discipline. He tasted, indeed, the sweets of 
human loves and friendships by the way ; and delighted to 
travel on the high paths of human thought and learning. 
Still, this world was not the home of his spirit. That spirit 
had long been less familiar with this world, than with that 
better one to come. There, was Jesus, the blessed Saviour, 
whom he loved supremely : There were many of the dear 
friends and kindred, to whom his soul had been closely knit: 
and there were the treasures of life, which, by the Divine 
Spirit's teaching, he had long been laying up in Christ ; and 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 551 

to taste of which he had such an inner and deathless long- 
ing. To him, therefore, death, however sudden, could be 
only welcome. As his daily theme of thought, he spoke of 
it with a cheerful calmness, which proved that, to him, the 
grave had lost its terrors. For him ' to live was Christ f and 
for Christ alone did he wish to live ; but, " to die was gain" 
and he felt no reluctance to realize the profit, which it was to 
bring him. Never were words more appropriate to charac- 
ter than those which he uttered more than twenty years be- 
fore his departure; " Why should I be unwilling to go 
home V What he met so suddenly on the 15th of February, 
1843, was not so much death, as simply going home. It 
was not so much the pain of dying, as it was the bliss of 
feeling " mortality, swallowed up of life." 

The writer is now done with the memoirs of the life of 
Bishop Griswold. Whatever remains to be said, or seen of 
him, is referred to the short Appendix, which is to follow. 
In what has already been said and seen, he trusts there is 
internal evidence, that Bishop Griswold himself has been 
before the reader's mind, and not the writer's mere imagina- 
tion of what he was. The conception of his character, which 
has been imbodied in the foregoing pages, is, in part, the 
result of many years' familiar acquaintance with the living 
man ; but, in greater part, perhaps, it is the result of what 
that man has left behind in his own writings, and in the re- 
membrances of his most bosom friends. The aim of the 
writer has been, honestly to present his subject to the mind 
of the reader in the unexaggerated lights, which have resist- 
lessly broke on his own ; and he believes God has kept him 
from giving a fancy sketch, while striving to draw a portrait 
from life. He honestly acknowledges, that, although he 
has long had lofty conceptions of Bishop Griswold, both as 
a scholar and as a Christian ; yet the study of that great and 
good man's character, to which this work has brought him, 
has constrained him to place his subject in a much higher 
niche, both as a man of intellectual power and as a man of 
extraordinary holiness, than even that, which, during his life, 



552 MEMOIR OF THE 

he had assigned him. And yet he feels confident, that the 
springs of information, which have been opened to him, and 
which he has laid open before the reader, will shew, that 
the stream of life, seen flowing through the varied scenery of 
these pages, has never been artificially forced to a level, 
higher than that of the sources, from which it has been 
drawn. 

As to the account, which has been given, of Bishop Gris- 
wold's religious views, both in matters of doctrine, and on 
points of ecclesiastical polity, the writer thinks it no more 
than justice to himself to say ; that it has been his steady 
purpose to leave the Bishop, as much as possible, to speak 
for himself, in his own words and through his own acts ; 
and that, whenever the author has paused to offer a remark 
of his own, it has been for (as he trusts) the allowable pur- 
pose of fixing attention upon the Bishop's proper thoughts 
and meaning, and not upon any fiction of thought or mean- 
ing, which the writer has been anxious to propagate under 
the sanction of so venerable a name. That, on most points, 
he agrees in faith and opinion with the sainted man, whose 
life and character he has drawn, he is by no means disposed 
to conceal; and that he feels desirous of spreading both the 
churchmanship and the holiness, which in that saint were 
imbodied, he is not at all anxious to deny. He has, there- 
fore, taken an occasional liberty, not inconsistent, he hopes, 
with propriety, in adding the strong assent of the biographer 
to the teachings of the life, which he has written, and the 
earnest comment of the historian to the lessons of the history, 
which he has penned. 

On the whole, while the memoir, now closing, shews an 
unusual variety and a rare combination of beautiful traits and 
high excellences in the character and views of its subject ; 
it will, he doubts not, be admitted, that.it gives special pro- 
minence to three points. 

It shews that there was, in Bishop Griswold, vastly more 
of true genius, tender sentiment, and power for high mental 
effort and attainment, than was ordinarily accorded to him 
even by those, who thought they knew him well ; and that, 



LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 553 

had not his Christian conscience put these things under bonds 
not to encroach on the time, which he had vowed to keep 
literally sacred to his toils in the service of Christ and his 
Church, he might have impressed himself with a very diffe- 
rent, though not with a more salutary power on the character 
and movements of his age. 

It shews, also, that his churchmanship was of the sound- 
est, most unquestionable order ; that, if he eschewed, what, 
in partisan language, has been termed, High Churchmanship, 
he also held no communion with, what, in the same phrase- 
ology, has been termed, Low Churchmanship; and that the 
main feature of his theory on this point, as distinguished from 
that of some, consisted in embracing the Church, as she pre- 
sents herself, refusing to push certain inferences from the fact 
of Episcopacy on the consciences of his clergy and people, 
and against the convictions, or the prejudices, of Christians 
of other denominations. If this stand constitute a Low 
Churchman, then he was a Low Churchman. Yet was he 
free from all party-spirit, and eschewed all mere party-aims ; 
and his best designation, on this point, is; that he was a 
thoroughly sound Protestant Churchman; laboring for the 
unity as well as for the purity of the Church ; and basing 
her claims on the high ground of Scripture, as well as onihe 
broad foundation of history. 

It shews, finally, and most conspicuously, that he was a 
CHRISTIAN ; that, to him, CHRIST was the living, near, 
all-glorious object of his soul's adoration and love ; not set 
away in unfelt, un-minded distance beyond a thick, obscur- 
ing cloud of inferior mediators, and more than half- worshiped 
intercessors, but, brought out, unveiled, the warm-beaming 
Sun of life to the believing soul; the one, only Mediator and 
Intercessor with the Father ; the one, only shedder forth of 
the Spirit from both the Father and the Son : and that, with 
him, Christ stood supreme, as well as near ; not virtually sub- 
ordinate to external things, not hidden in dark reserve, or 
kept for an occasional pomp, behind a Church, whose ob- 
trusive and gorgeous visibility presents the main attraction to 
thought and imagination, but revealed, in all-effused light 

zz 



554 MEMOIR OF THE LIFE OF BISHOP GRISWOLD. 

and glory, above, around, within the Church ; the great Son 
of God, holding the Church herself in his right hand, and 
using her for the conversion of a world. 

In practice, as well as in theory, Bishop Griswold, was a 
great Christian. He loved Christ; and he loved to walk, as 
Christ walked. I have met with more burning ardor, with 
more rapturous devotion, than he ever manifested ; but after 
a careful study of his life, I feel constrained to say, that I 
have never met with one, who, more literally than he, took 
Christ as his pattern in judging, acting and living in the 
world; with one, who, more literally than he, took the 
standard of ministerial fidelity and self-sacrifice, which was 
set up in Christ and his Apostles, and endeavored daily and 
actually to imitate it in his own life and labors ; or with one, 
in whom, more than in him, that crowning grace of Christ's 
own character, humility, shone out in all its unaffected, 
uncounterfeit, and unintermitted radiance of soft and holy light. 

It was his humility, which, during his life, kept him prac- 
tically low, and made him less observed of the world than 
many of far less ability and of far less worth. But the veil 
behind which life hid him, has been taken off' by death ; and 
the world may now look on him in his true character, and 
see him on his true elevation. Unintentional, yet practical 
injustice, in the estimate of his powers and attainments, he 
will, it is believed, no longer suffer. Certainly, he will not, if 
the effort, which in the present work has been made, shall have 
succeeded, to any tolerable extent, in effecting its purpose. 

The epitaph, so long since written by Sir William Cooper, 
in memory of his "spiritual father," the great author of the 
Ecclesiastical Polity, has in it so much, that is appropriate to 
the subject of these reflections, that the author knows not 
how to close his work better than with the last few lines of 
that quaint, but expressive eulogy. 

" Yet, he that lay so long obscurely low, 

Doth now preferred to higher honors go. 

Ambitious men, learn hence to be more wise; 

Humility is the true way to rise : 

And God in me this lesson did inspire, 

To bid this humble man, Friend, sit up higher." 

THE END. 









APPENDIX I. 

The following short collection of original thoughts, hints 
to subjects, &c, is made from a much larger mass of similar 
materials, found chiefly on loose slips of paper, in Bishop 
Griswold's hand, and in the drawers of his secretary. It is 
inserted here for three principal reasons. 1. These thoughts 
shew the character of the Bishop's mind, as at work within 
itself. 2. They illustrate his mode of preparing subjects for 
fuller discussion. 3. They are of intrinsic beauty and value, 
and therefore worthy of this special preservation. Many of 
them have probably been wrought into the texture of some 
of his various discourses, and addresses. But, even if those 
discourses and addresses should ever be given to the public 
in a collected form, that would not destroy either the beauty, 
or the value of what is here preserved. 

THOUGHTS, IN THE FORM OF SIMILE. 

Uninterrupted prosperity, like continual sunshine, parches 
the soil even of a godly heart. Clouds of sorrow, and storms 
of adversity are necessary to purify the moral atmosphere, to 
water our Christian graces, and to make the heart fruitful. 

You may as well think to silence an echo by strength of 
voice, as to convince a prejudiced disputant by strong argu- 
ment. As, in the former, the echo will but grow the louder, 
and still have the last word ; so, in the latter, the stronger 
your argument, the fiercer will his answers be, and the more 
certainly will he have the last word in the controversy. 

The errors and faults of a true Christian are like a line 
drawn by a trembling hand, which, though rough and 
ragged, yet tends towards the right point. While those of 
the wicked are like a line drawn in a wrong direction, 
which, even where smoothest, is often most fatally out of the 
way. 



556 APPENDIX. 

In serving God, or obeying his commandments, let us, 
like the poor widow in the Gospel, shew our good will, 
though we must, by the very littleness of the offering, be- 
tray our deep poverty. 

Ardor, excited not by conviction, but by passion, by yield- 
ing to sentiment more than to reason, is as the glow pro- 
duced by the stimulus of spirituous liquors ; often irregular 
and immediately injurious, and always sure to end in in- 
creased languor and weakness. As the true nourishment 
for the body is that, which strengthens the parts, rather than 
stimulates the spirits ; so the true nurture for the mind is that, 
which invigorates its powers, rather than stimulates its pas- 
sions ; that which increases knowledge and enlightens the 
understanding. In religion, fervor thus excited will be uni- 
form, permanent, and fruitful in righteousness. The soul, 
fed with such food, will grow to the perfect man, to the 
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. 

The raging passions, the stormy wrath, of men is like the 
foaming billows of the sea, which beat fiercely against the 
solid land, and then retire humble and calm. 

Vices are like weeds ; natural to the soil, and increasing 
without cultivation : virtues are like plants, which are exotic 
and, in order to perfection, require careful culture. And, as 
weeds increase most where the soil is rich and cultivation 
imperfect, so, in Christian countries, sin is exceeding sinful. 
Those, who have the Gospel, yet walk not by its precepts, 
are worse than those, who have never known the way of 
righteousness. 

Early genius is like fruit prematurely ripe. It has at first 
a brighter hue and a richer fragrance ; but decays sooner and 
falls earlier, than the rest. 

A hypocrite is like a heathen temple ; splendid and beauti- 
ful without ; but within, what is most prominent and most 
adored is some deformed image, or some hideous monster. 

They, who, in contesting trivial and unessential points, 
break the bond of charity, are like some ancient idolaters, 
who, in worshiping a fly, would sacrifice an ox. 

In theology, deep investigation is like digging ore from the 



APPENDIX. 557 

mine ; while practical preaching is like fashioning the metal 
for use. 

History tells of a Philosopher, who said ; " strike, but 
hear me." So may Christ's ministers say. If we can but be 
heard, if our doctrine is but received, if men will but heed 
the truths, which we bring them, it is of little comparative 
importance how we fare in this world. 

Christians should use ancient literature and human learn- 
ing as the Israelites did the gold, which they brought out of 
Egypt ; not when they fashioned it into a molten calf and 
worshiped it, but when they applied it to beautify the tem- 
ple, and adorn the worship of God. 

The obscurities of the Scripture may well be compared to 
the spots on the sun ; which obscure indeed a few of his 
rays, yet leave enough to light the world. We may as well 
say that the world wants natural light, as that men, who 
have the Bible, have not enough spiritual light to shew them 
the doctrines and duties necessary to their salvation. 

Searching too inquisitively into the deep unrevealed things 
of God is like looking directly into the sun. It rather im- 
pairs the mental sight than leads to any discovery of truth. 

Religious controversy on abstruse and unessential points 
of Theology is like climbing steep and craggy precipices. 
If, with much difficulty, their pinnacle be gained, they but 
leave us standing on barren rocks, with the comfortless 
prospect of other cliffs on cliffs, and of mountains still above 
and inaccessible. 

An eminent man without religion, is, in some respects, 
like a barren mountain ; which encumbers the ground with 
its bulk, presses the world by its weight, and chills the at- 
mosphere with its coldness. 

Those Christians, who are most strenuous in things of 
little importance, are like the Pharisees of old ; most likely 
to fail in the weightier matters of the law. It is those, who 
are yielding in non-essentials, who are most apt to be stable 
in fundamental principles. The willow will bend to the 
blast, yet keep its root in the ground ; while the sturdy pine, 



558 APPENDIX. 

proudly opposing its unbending trunk to the storm, fails often 
at the root and is overthrown. 

In temporal things, as men extract poison from the most 
wholesome food, as, from bread-corn they distil those spirits, 
which inflame the blood, intoxicate the brain, and destroy 
the body which God designed them to support; so, in 
spiritual things, they often pervert the doctrines of Christ, 
those truths of the Gospel, which are designed to minister to 
salvation ; originating from them pernicious errors, and wrest- 
ing them to the destruction of their own souls. 

As a wise physician, in administering a remedy, will care- 
fully consider whether, though powerful to remove the 
malady of his patient, it may not have an impairing effect on 
the general constitution ; so the wise Christian, in adopting 
measures for the removal of vice and the cure of the diseases 
w T hich effect society, will consider whether, though powerful 
in one direction for good, they may not be more powerful in 
another for evil ; whether they do not tend to the needless 
exposure of the faults and errors of Christians, or to the en- 
gendering of long-lived animosities and enduring unchari- 
tableness. 

As a wise physician endeavors to render his medicine 
palatable by the addition of harmless ingredients, yet will 
admit of no admixture, which can, in any way, neutralize 
its effect ; so only will the faithful minister endeavor to be- 
come all things to all men in administering the medicine of 
those saving truths, which the natural mind so strongly dis- 
tastes. 

The life of man is like the track of a vessel through the 
ocean : for a short time, it is full of motion and of sparkles ; 
but it is soon still again and vanishes from view. 

Christians are often like the builders on the second temple ; 
obliged to hold a sword in one hand while they build with 
the other. 

MISCELLANEOUS MORAL AND RELIGIOUS THOUGHTS. 

A single thought often outlives an empire. 



APPENDIX. 559 

In the practice of virtue, as in other things, mankind are 
prone to look chiefly at occasions of great and glorious 
actions, to the neglect of those smaller duties, which ought 
to be constant, which chiefly mark the character of men, 
and which contribute most to bless society. In theory, we 
fancy that we could die martyrs ; when, in practice, we 
have not fortitude to bear a slight provocation. 

The world often misjudges the advantages of a life well 
spent. Many men, though without religion, are privileged 
to depart this world with applause ; while devoted Christians 
are sometimes hissed off the stage of life. 

Ministers often prematurely administer comfort to the 
troubled conscience. A skilful physician would be cautious 
of extinguishing a fever, which was but an effort of nature to 
throw off some morbific agent from the system. If, indeed, 
the fever were so violent as of itself to threaten life, he would 
then treat it as a malady ; otherwise, he would aim chiefly 
at the removal of its cause. So should we treat the awaken- 
ed sinner. If his troubled mind be driving him to despond- 
ence, and to distrust of God's mercy, it is diseased and 
should be treated accordingly. But short of this, let the 
terrors of the law and the probe of conscience find the bot- 
tom of his wound, and effect a radical and permanent cure of 
his corrupt nature. 

Nature and grace are full of beautiful analogies. Thus, 
Faith is the root, Hope the stem, Charity the branches, and 
good works the fruit, of a Christian tree. 

Naturally, even Christian people are more inclined to dis- 
pute about things, of which they are ignorant, or which are 
of doubtful utility, than to practice those, which are well 
known and of the highest importance. " Pruritus disputandi 
scabies ecclesiee." 

Hypocrisy and Fanaticism. They, who affect to be al- 
ways looking upward, are less likely to be careful how they 
walk below. 

It is the coward that talks loudest of his courage ; the 
hypocrite, of his zeal ; the bigot, of his liberality ; the parti- 



560 APPENDIX. 

zan, of his candor ; and the selfish man, of his disinterested- 
ness. 

A departure from what God's word really teaches is 
heresy ; a violation of what the Church lawfully requires is 
schism. 

In relation to the Jewish Church, the Samaritans were 
schismatics ; and yet, it is a remarkable fact that Christ's 
ministry was often more successful with them than with the 
orthodox Jews. 

If we are born but once, we shall die twice ; but if we are 
born twice, we shall die but once. 

God now saves by means, not by miracles. 

He, who has too much learning to study the Scriptures, 
has too much wisdom to be taught of God ; and he, who is 
too much of a gentleman to be religious, is either above or 
below the character of a Christian. 

Technical terms are often a cloak for ignorance : and of 
all ignorance, that which is learned is most contemptible. 

No reading is more profitable than that, which teaches us 
how and what to read : nor can time be better spent than in 
learning how to spend it rightly. 

Submission to God is not enough : we must add approval 
of His dispensations. 

When religion is fashionable, the cause of true piety is 
most in danger. Dr. Buchanan well observes ; " I find that 
the most useful preaching, which draws aside the cloak of 
profession, and discloses what is under it. 

There is great danger of flattering our people in their sins. 
In our preaching, we should neither praise ourselves, nor 
decry others ; we should never quiet our hearers by dwelling 
unduly on the excellences of our own Church, or by ex- 
posing needlessly the faults of other denominations : we 
should rather seek for faults in ourselves, and for virtues in 
them. 

In conversation, I am more solicitous to hear the opinions 
of others, than to propagate my own. I would exercise 
much caution in drawing others to my belief, lest peradven- 



APPENDIX. 561 

ture I should draw them into error ; but, in correcting my 
own notions, I cannot be too much concerned. 

From early youth, I have been convinced that ' the end of 
the commandment is charity;" and have therefore, through 
life, made it my constant aim, to attain this summit. In 
religious experience, few things have given me more pain 
than the apparent want of charity among Christians. 

My sermons have had some good effect on myself, if not 
on others. My endeavor has been first to preach them to 
myself; and like Herod, I have at least done many things in 
consequence. 

How almost uniformly do clergymen disregard the direc- 
tion of St. James, to say ; " If the Lord will, we shall live 
and do this or that !" and this, too, in God's house, and in 
his service ! If they as often neglected the Rubrics, they 
would be condemned by general consent. " This ought ye 
to do, and not leave the other undone. But, if either must 
be disregarded, let it not be God's Word." 

A slow, drawling manner in service evinces the want of 
ardor and earnestness. It is not, as some seem to imagine, 
solemnity, but dullness. All men speak earnestly when 
they feel. 

We should avoid all manner of ostentation, especially in 
prayer. If it be a fault to offer prayer without serious 
thought either before, or after ; — it is no less so to make a 
display of those thoughts. Before service, and sermon, 
some seem to study conspicuousness, that the congregation 
may know they are praying in private. 

The true doctrines of grace are most apt to be expressed 
in prayer. Says Luther; "In affection and practice, men 
are different from what they are in disputation and argu- 
ment." This is because reason is more corrupt and oftener 
erroneous than conscience. Hence, in prayer, all power and 
goodness are usually ascribed to God ; all impotence and 
evil, to man. 

Great care should be bestowed on the religious education 
of the young ; — the world, they live in, is a school of infi- 



562 APPENDIX. 

delity and sin ; — and in this school, at least, the young are 
apt learners. 

To have warm friends, we must too often be the advo- 
cates of a party, or of a sect. He, who is impartial to all, 
is not likely much to interest any. To obtain promotion and 
fame, we must push ourselves forward, and court especially 
the dominant party. This, however, is at the risk of evil. 
A Christian's duty is — to go straight forward, leave events 
with God, and hope only " to have praise of Him." 

We ought not to reject what is good because practiced by 
those whom we dislike. This proceeds from pride, and is 
contrary to the spirit of Christianity. While Christians act 
on such a principle, the Church can never be united. It is 
a principle, which has ever been one of the causes of her 
divisions. 

That Christian dresses most as he ought, whose apparel 
attracts least attention, either by its finery, or by its plain- 
ness. 

Heretofore, the Jews have been inclined to reject the 
Book of Daniel ; and Christians that of Revelation. Now, 
both begin to be respected ; — a proof that the time of their 
main prophecies is at hand, and a fact, from which useful 
reflections may be deduced. 

Before the Netherland-wars in the reign of Elizabeth, 
the English are said to have been moderate drinkers : but 
there, they learned, by drinking others' health, to impair 
their own. 

The fact, that, in ancient times, the stars were worshiped 
as divinities, easily accounts for the early prevalence of 
astrology, and for the high veneration, in which this science 
was so long held. For, if men once believed the stars to 
be gods, they would of course believe in their influence on 
human affairs. 

Enthusiasm is commended in every thing but religion. 
" In science, it is genius : in vice, it is spirit : but in re- 
ligion, it is madness." Religion alone, as most men judge, 
is what we are to treat with apathy and indifference. 



APPENDIX. 563 

It is with propriety, that the Bible applies to the Divine 
Being terms, which are intelligible to our imperfect nature, 
though not accurately descriptive of His ; as when it 
speaks of Him as having parts, hand, eye, ear, and the 
like : or when it represents him as having passions, anger, 
jealously, repentings, &c. The infinite distance between 
God and ourselves renders this necessary. The language of 
philosophy, and the thoughts, to which some men can soar, 
would be unsuitable in revelation. Religion is for all, 
especially for the poor, the common people. We cannot 
possibly mount up to God : therefore, He condescends to 
come down to us and to commune with us here on earth 
and in our own language. 

There are some absurdities, even among Christians. Of 
these may be mentioned : 

1. The Assembly's Catechism taught to children, as 
though adapted to their capacities ; yet studied by the 
highest class in some Colleges, as being, what in fact, it is, 
difficult for men to understand. 

2. Humility, acknowledged to be a great and fundamen- 
tal virtue ; while yet children are taught in our schools to 
seek their own honor, and to prefer themselves to others. 

3. Acknowledging ourselves, in prayer, to be superla- 
tively wicked, depraved and guilty of all kinds of sin ; 
when, at the same time, if a neighbor were to suggest to us 
that we were faulty in any one thing, we should feel highly 
affronted. 

In man, the animal and angelic natures are united, and 
called human. In Jesus, the human and the divine are 
united, and called Immanuel. 

In worldly things, our thoughts and cares are confined to 
ourselves ; — in spiritual, chiefly to our neighbor. 

THOUGHTS ON PREACHERS AND PREACHING. 

Though, with Dr. Watts, I must say that I cannot imagine 
any connection between the swinging of a man's arms, and 
the truths of Christianity, yet I have nothing to say against 
gesticulation in the delivery of sermons ; for public opinion 



564 APPENDIX. 

would probably be against me. What is natural, indeed, 
involuntary and unobserved by the speaker, is certainly pro- 
per. But every thing of the kind, which is studied, affect- 
ed and artificial, has, and is intended to have, the effect 
of drawing attention to the speaker ; and, the more this 
is done, the less good is effected. This may well ac- 
count for what is so commonly seen ; that preachers, re- 
markable for a studied gracefulness in their delivery, and 
much admired as fine speakers, produced but little effect in 
changing the heart and converting their hearers to the truth , 
of God. A preacher, to do his best and be most successful, 
'should forget himself, and have in his mind his subject only 
and a purpose of persuading his hearers to believe what he 
teaches, and to live accordingly. His great object should 
be to carry his point. The more suitable and perfect the 
style and manner of a preacher, the less will this style and 
manner be either praised, or thought of. A congregation 
will perceive and feel the difference between a preacher's 
" reciting something before them, and his saying something 
to them." 

Of M , (a popular preacher of that time,) I have 

nothing to say. But, one of the most common, and most 
perilous evils in the effect of popular preaching, is the mis- 
taking of carnal affection for religious feeling. People are 
in danger of supposing that they love the doctrines of life, 
when it is the manner of teaching them, that pleases. 
They are not, as they suppose, attracted by the Saviour, but 
only enamored of his ministers. When a preacher is pos- 
sessed of those qualifications, which naturally please, re- 
ligion itself, we are ready to believe, is delightful ; as a 
child loves physic, enclosed in sugar. It should be better 
remembered, that it is not, in such case, the physic, that is 
loved, nor the sugar, that restores health. 

When a young preacher, of a good person, fine voice, 
pleasing address, lively imagination, and graceful eloquence, 
is very popular, — in estimating the religious effect of his 
preaching, the impression made on females, under forty, is 



APPENDIX. 565 

not at all to be considered ; and a very large deduction 
must be made in the case of the remainder of his hearers. 

Such is our nature, that it is scarce possible we should 
not love popularity. There are very few, who, if it were 
in their power, would not acquire it. The love of fame is 
justly styled " the universal passion." Folly consists rather 
in the rendering, than in the desiring, of popularity. The 
love of praise is as justifiable as the love of money. But, 
neither should be indulged, except to the extent, in which 
it is justly due. It may reasonably be questioned, whether 
Christians can, with propriety, unite in rendering such ex- 
treme homage to a popular idol, as we sometimes witness. 
It is not to be supposed, that any man can be so infinitely 
more deserving than all his fellow creatures, as to be justly 
so caressed, while thousands of good and faithful Christians 
are comparatively neglected. Among other evil effects of 
this, it operates as a great discouragement to those, who 
possess not popular attractions. 

When the Christian preacher speaks to best effect, the 
hearers think least of him. It is an evidence of our faith- 
fulness, when the congregation retire from the Lord's house 
silent and thoughtful ; when they " salute no man by the 
way ;" and when their minds are deeply impressed with 
the truths, which they have heard, without thinking any 
thing at all of the preacher. 

There is no sin, which more easily, or more often, besets 
the ministers of Christ, those especially, who are young, 
than the desire to preach themselves rather than Christ ; to 
seek their own glory ; — to put themselves forward to view, 
while the Saviour is kept in the back ground ; to seek ad- 
miration and popular applause. If the preacher's aim be — 
to honor himself, by a display of his learning, or eloquence, 
or taste, or fine imagination, or even of his piety and zeal, 
he is an unfaithful preacher ; though, in word, he preaches 
the truth, and that only. This vain glory often causes 
preachers to devote an undue proportion of time to the pre- 

AAA 



566 APPENDIX. 

paration of fine sermons, and to the polishing of their pe- 
riods, to the neglect of other duties. Let our eye be single, 
and our whole body will be full of light. 

There is no other preaching, that will be so successful in 
changing the heart and turning men to God, as preaching 
the word in plainness and sincerity ; because this is the or- 
dinance, which God has appointed for that purpose. We 
know that " preaching the Cross of Christ is, to them that 
perish, foolishness ;" — but, it " pleases God by such fool- 
ishness to save them that believe." The profaneness of 
scoffers, the boldness of infidelity are best and oftenest sub- 
dued by preaching the Cross of Christ. Though the Ark 
be shaken, yet we need not fear, but go forward as the 
Lord directs. He shews the foolishness of human wisdom 
by " choosing the weak things of the world to confound 
the mighty, and the foolish things of the world to confound 
the wise." 

The preacher's business and duty are, — not to please the 
imagination, — but to mend the heart, and reform the lives 
of his hearers ; not so much to invent new things, as to en- 
force the practice of old truths, long established and often 
taught. In works of taste, designed chiefly for pleasure, 
many things may be valued merely because they are new. 
Religious discourses are profitable only for doctrine, reproof, 
correction, and instruction in righteousness. If a man were 
hungry, would he object to wholesome food because he had 
before fed on the same dish ? Doctrines, which have often 
been taught, and duties which have been frequently urged, 
may still be necessary for spiritual sustenance. The ex- 
cellence of this spiritual food consists not in its novelty, nor 
in the elegant style in which it is served up, but in its whole- 
some nature and solid nourishment. 

He is no true shepherd, who delights to be at the feast of 
sheep-shearing, but sets others to feed the flock. How im- 
portant that we, who daily teach others to renounce the 



APPENDIX. 567 

world, should set the example ! We admit none to baptism 
but on this condition ; and shall we take on ourselves the 
sacred office of spiritual shepherds and guides, while yet 
we cherish a love of the world in our hearts and exhibit a 
conformity to the world in our lives ? 

We ought to speak of those faults, to which our hearers 
are most subject ; the " sins, which most easily beset them." 
For a preacher to dwell on those faults, which his auditors 
are not, at present, likely to commit, is as though a physi- 
cian should prescribe for a patient, in a burning fever, no- 
thing but some directions how to avoid taking a cold. Thus, 
it is not unfrequently the case, that a congregation, inclined 
to lukewarmness, are earnestly warned against enthusiasm. 

Spiritual sleep has no waking hours. It is like that of 
Lazarus, — the sleep of death ! The soul cannot, will not, 
of itself awake. The preacher's voice must be heard be- 
fore Lazarus will " come forth." 

Few things, of equal importance, are less considered than 
the force of prejudice upon the human mind. In nothing 
is it more conspicuous than in the effects, which the preach- 
ing and ministry of Jesus Christ had upon his various 
hearers. Behold a numerous multitude, all listening to the 
same discourse ; all pressed with the same reason and argu- 
ments ; all favored with the same evidence [and proof, the 
same law and testimony ; and all exhorted by the same in- 
teresting and awakening considerations : yet, how various 
and widely different are the effects produced on their minds ! 
Some admire the wisdom of the speaker : some are smitten 
to the heart and convicted, and henceforth cleave to him : 
some are chiefly desirous to hear him solve curious and diffi- 
cult questions : in the opinion of some, he speaks by inspi- 
ration of God : while others exclaim, — " He hath a devil, 
and is mad ; why hear ye him ?" Some are convinced by 
the force of his arguments ; and others are grieved to hear 
their favorite tenets confuted : at the sight of his miracles, 



568 APPENDIX. 

many adore the power of God ; and many ascribe them to 
the power of Beelzebub. How weighty, then, is the admo- 
nition of Jesus ; " Take heed how ye hear !" Men are too 
often totally heedless in this important respect. They hear 
for pleasure, rather than for profit ; from curiosity, rather 
than for improvement. They inquire, not so much for 
information and knowledge, as for the confirmation of their 
present opinions. It is, therefore, necessary that the mind 
should be prepared for the reception of truth. "No man," 
saith Jesus, " can come unto me except the Father draw 
him." He, indeed, who seeks, will find ; "He that hath 
ears to hear, let him hear," for by hearing he will profit. 
" Where there is no appetite, the sweetest meat will lose 
its savor. Where there is no ear for music, the most per- 
fect harmony is undelightful. And, to the blind, there is 
no manner of beauty in the finest prospect," nor variety in 
all the brightest colors. Even thus, " the natural man, 
receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, — for they 
are spiritually discerned." Speculative writers have, indeed, 
said fine things of credibility, and of the nature, force, and 
degree of evidence ; as if we had scales for weighing truth 
to a single grain ; whereas, in fact, man, with all his boasted 
balancings and reasoning, can resist a proof at which even 
devils tremble. 

So impossible is it, by fair and honest means, to please 
every one, that our Lord says to his Apostles ; " Wo unto 
you, when all men shall speak well of you." What one 
expects and requires of a preacher, another will condemn. 
The spiritual state of those, who hear, is various. Some 
need to be alarmed from thoughtlessness and carelessness : 
others need to be encouraged and strengthened under doubts 
and despondency. Some are fearful when there is nothing 
to fear : others walk with confidence on the verge of destruc- 
tion. Some believe not the Gospel ; and so require reason- 
ing and argument : others believe without doubting; and so 
find reasoning and argument unedifying ; to them this seems 
like lighting a candle to shew the sun. Some have many 



APPENDIX. 569 

difficulties in understanding the Scriptures, or the doctrines 
of the Gospel : others find them in the main clear and intel- 
ligible. To the former, explanation, and elucidation are 
valuable ; while, to the latter they are comparatively useless. 
Many imbibe false doctrines, or wrong notions of religion ; 
and many have very imperfect ideas of the Church : hence, 
it is often necessary to explain the nature of both ; though to 
some these explanations may prove tiresome. Mankind 
have also diverse tastes, tempers and turns of mind respect- 
ing religion. Some wish for nothing from the pulpit but 
particular or favorite doctrines : others can relish nothing but 
discourses on moral virtue : while others, again, are best en- 
tertained with historical information, or with philosophical 
disquisitions. 

Every one, therefore, should consider these things, and re- 
member that the Gospel was to be preached " to every 
creature ;" and that the preacher must have regard to the 
spiritual wants of all classes of hearers. 

There is vast importance in a union of praying with 
preaching ; the one for obtaining help from God, without 
whom we can do nothing; the other for imparting the know- 
ledge of Christ, without which there is no converting and 
saving the souls of men. The Apostles would " give them- 
selves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word." 
How different the conduct of those dignitaries of the Church, 
in some parts of the world, who, when they have reached the 
Apostleship, and when they ought to be the " servants of 
a//," instead of giving themselves continually to prayer and 
the ministry of the Word, neglect both : employing chaplains 
to pray for them, and settling curates to preach ! Well might 
Jewel say ; " A Bishop should die preaching." 

Preaching was unduly extolled in Puritan days, and unr 
duly degraded after the Restoration. 

Some who contend for prayer as opposed to preaching, 
do, so far as we can judge, pray the least of any Christians. 

Few things appear less reasonable than the words, which 
have been wasted to shew that praying is more important 

AAA* 



570 APPENDIX. 

than preaching. We certainly should consider the fruit, in 
itself, as more valuable than the labor, which produces it. 
Yet, the importance of the labor will be in proportion to the 
value of the fruit. Men may plant and water ; but God 
giveth the increase : and the question is, whether he will 
give it, if the husbandman neglect to labor ? The labor may 
be unsuccessful ; for the Lord may withhold the increase : 
generally, however, the labor, if wise and faithful, will be 
blest. So, when the spiritual sower casts forth the seed of 
God's Word, some of it, as Christ says, may fall by the 
way-side, and some on stony ground, and other some among 
thorns ; yet, some will fall on good ground, and bring forth 
abundant fruit. 

Suppose, then, a thousand souls, for several years, hear 
the preaching of a faithful minister of Christ : if one hundred 
of them are truly converted to God, then a hundred praying 
people are the fruit of one man's preaching ; and they will 
not only pray, not only " call Him Lord," but become " doers 
of the Word," fruitful in all good works. But, had he 
neglected to preach, and spent all his religious hours in pray- 
ing, would that fruit have been produced? "How shall 
they call on Him, of whom they have not heard? And how 
shall they hear without a preacher ?" Besides, no men pray 
less, but more, in consequence of preaching. This is the 
ordinance, which God, in his wisdom, hath ordained for 
gathering mankind into the fold of His Church ; and the 
gathering will not come without the use of the ordinance. 

A preacher should be learned, especially in Divinity. 
Without this, other learning is little worth. To what pur- 
pose shall we know every thing else, if ignorant of what we 
are to teach and practice ? He should also endeavor to 
make his learning useful to others ; otherwise, he is learned 
in vain. Our duty is, to do good ; not to live to ourselves, 
nor to spend time in acquiring what is useless to mankind. 
Polite learning is more admired and applauded than more 
useful science. The eye is charmed with those, who walk 
the flower-garden of literature and nature, bedizzened with 



APPENDIX. 571 

its fading treasures, though they poison the breath of life 
with their noxious exhalations. But, the servant, who brings 
us those fruits, which nourish and invigorate our frame, 
though despised, yea covered with the dust of his labors, is 
yet more deserving of our thanks, and even of our admira- 
tion than they. 

When a minister, by elegant composition, and other 
means, seeks the reputation of a fine scholar, or aims at his 
own glory and interest ; the people are, so far, under no obli- 
gations for his services. But, when he disregards his own 
fame and temporal advantage, and is earnestly engaged in 
seeking their spiritual welfare, the salvation of their souls ; 
they are bound to provide for him, and they will provide for 
him. They will feel grateful to such an one ; they will see 
that such a laborer is " worthy of his hire ;" worthy even of 
" double honor." 

Why is it less inconsistent with our devotion to God and 
the souls of men, to pursue literature for either honor or 
pleasure, than it is, with the same views, to pursue riches ? 

N. B. The following hints and references, noted on slips 
of paper, and pinned together with an article in the Episco- 
pal Recorder, on u The Descent into hell" will illustrate the 
Bishop's manner of preparing subjects, in connexion with 
his ordinary course of reading. 

" Descended into hell." See Episcopal Recorder for Dec. 
15th, 1838. 

1. From the parable of Dives and Lazarus, it appears that 
the dead do not all go to the same place of intermediate ex- 
istence ; but, to two places, between which is an impassable 
gulf. To which of the two did Christ go ? If to both, 
should it not be said, in our discretionary part of the Creed ; 
" He went into the places of departed spirits?" Does not 
this article tend more to doubt and controversy, than to the 
uniting of Christians in any one precise point of belief ? And 



572 APPENDIX. 

is not this tendency increased by the discretionary substi- 
tute ? 

2. Christ did not visit both of the places of departed spirits ; 
for, in the parable, he tells us there is no possibility of pass- 
ing from the one to the other. Is the meaning, then, that 
"he went to one of the places of departed spirits?" If an 
article be necessary to express our belief in an intermediate 
state, why should it not rather be expressed in words more 
intelligible, and more directly to the purpose ? (See Charles- 
ton Gospel Messenger, for September, 1839.) 

3. If it be said, there is but one place of departed spirits ; 
then, did not both of the thieves, crucified with Christ, go to 
that one place ? And if so, what proof have we, from Christ's 
words to the penitent, that he was saved rather than the 
other ? 

4. That there will be an intermediate state between death 
and the final judgment, seems, from the Scriptures, to be 
more than probable : but we may well doubt whether that 
state be so clearly revealed as that it should become an arti- 
cle of faith, necessary to baptism. M., by the way, 
notices the too common fault of being wise beyond what is 
written, to the neglect of what is clearly revealed. " Secret 
things belong to God" &c. (This, by careful study, might be 
improved.) 

5. The place of departed spirits is not revealed to us so as 
to be of any practical tendency. It is, of course, of little use 
as an article of faith. And that our Church so views it, is 
evident from the permission to omit it in saying the Creed. 

6. Our Church, by directing that this article may be 
omitted, has apparently manifested a doubt as to the expe- 
diency of using it. 

7. Our Church, by permitting such omission, has mani- 
fested her conviction that repeating this article, if expedient, 
is not essential. (See, King on the Creed.) 

8. Is the doctrine, or fact, of an intermediate state so 
clearly revealed, as to make it an essential article in a Creed, 
which yet omits such doctrines as those of repentance, justifi- 
cation by faith, &c. ? 






APPENDIX. 573 

9. The passage in the 16th Psalm, u Thou wilt not leave 
my soul in hell," is twice cited by the Apostles; and, in 
both places, to prove a resurrection only. 

10. In the passage ; " Thou wilt not leave my soul in 
hell ; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corrup- 
tion ;" the latter clause seems to be, according to the genius 
of Hebrew Poetry, a repetition of the former, a varied ex- 
pression of the same meaning. (Examine this. See, Lowth, 
Hebrew Poetry.) 

11. After the most careful inquiry, and the different views, 
which have been given by learned and pious Christians, 
there is still great uncertainty resting on this subject. 

12. There is danger in founding important doctrines on 
one or two texts of doubtful meaning. Heresies and schisms 
are generally grounded on such passages. This danger may 
be exemplified by a reference to the words; " This is my 
Body ;" as used in instituting the Lord's Supper ; and to the 
passage; u Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither 
wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." From a 
strained interpretation of the one has been derived the mon- 
strous doctrine of Transubstantiation ; and from the other, 
the pernicious deception of Purgatory. 

THOUGHTS ON CHURCH MATTERS. 

It is often said that our Articles are good and Scriptural ; 
but that our people depart from them. Is there no ground 
for this reproach ? 

It cannot be denied that some of our people, our clergy 
especially, contend earnestly for things of little importance ; 
while they say little, or speak lightly of the Articles, which 
are the life, the vitals, of the Church. They, that would 
judge him to be no Churchman, who neglects to wear a sur- 
plice, or, in some mere ceremony, deviates from a rubric ; 
while yet they themselves receive the Articles with mental 
reservations,. or construe them differently from their obvious 
sense, and evident meaning ; in the language of our blessed 
Saviour, " strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." To be 
true and consistent friends of the Church, we must maintain 



574 APPENDIX. 

all its standards, and observe all its institutions, and contend 
most earnestly for things of most importance : and nothing 
can be of more importance than the faith, by which alone 
we can hope to be justified, and the doctrines of eternal life, 
which we are to preach to mankind. In the Apostle's Creed, 
we have some Articles, expressed in general terms. Tlie 
Articles contain both Creeds, and many other things, no less 
important to be received and taught : such as the fall of man ; 
the corruption of our nature ; justification by faith ; the 
necessity of repentance, and of the aid of the Holy Spirit to 
renew the heart, and to help us to will and to do what is 
acceptable to God ; the doctrine of the Church, its ministry 
and sacraments ; with other things, which might be added, 
but which are, none of them, explicitly taught in the Apos- 
tle's Creed. And yet, they are no less essential than the 
articles, which that Creed does contain. It is a remarkable 
instance, or proof, of the liberality of our Church, that she 
exacts, as necessary to her communion, only those few arti- 
cles, to which almost all Christians, of any denomination, 
may subscribe. Let us, in all our intercourse with other 
Christians, imbibe her spirit of liberality ; but, in our teach- 
ing, and in our own belief, let us faithfully declare all the 
counsel of God, which we have admirably summed up and 
briefly expressed, in the Articles of the Church, and in the 
Homilies, which are a comment upon the Articles. We 
have here the principles of the Reformation, the belief of 
Protestants, the pure doctrines of the Holy Scriptures ; and 
it is remarkable, that, so evidently, do they express the most 
essential truths of the Bible, that almost all pious Protestants 
acknowledge their correctness. 

In proportion as other Christians see that we have among 
us the faith of Christ, and the love of God ; as we labor 
faithfully in the Lord's work ; as we manifest a sincere 
desire to promote the general interests of pure and undefiled 
religion ; as we avoid bigotry and sectarism ; and treat 
other Christians, not with affected respect, but with real love, 
our Church, we may humbly hope, will, through the bless- 
ing of God, increase. It is a great and blessed thing, too 



APPENDIX. 575 

little thought of, to rejoice, not in iniquity, but in the truth ; 
to be ever watchful to detect, and ready to acknowledge, 
our own faults ; w T hile slow to believe, and unwilling to ex- 
pose, the failings of others. By such fruits, we shall be 
known to be indeed of Christ, and convince others of the 
excellence of our religious institutions. 

My long experience has more and more convinced me, 
that, of the clergy, they are the best friends of the Church, 
who most faithfully inculcate its doctrines, as contained in 
the Articles and explained in the Homilies. The few points, 
which are called our " distinctive principles," we must, in 
conscience, adhere to, and, in proportion to their importance, 
may contend for in our preaching ; not, however, in a 
sectarian spirit, but in charity with those, who think different- 
ly. But, our great object should be to convert men to God 
and to save their souls. Men of common sense will easily 
see whether our chief desire is, to make them Churchmen, or 
to make them Christians. We may, indeed, say that these 
two things are the same. And so will others say, according 
to their respective belief; that, to be a Methodist, a Baptist, 
or a Presbyterian, and to be a Christian, are the same thing. 
The truth is, that, in either case, this is saying little to the 
purpose. We differ in some points, and each is confident 
in his own way ; none is more so than myself ; but, in this 
do orthodox Christians of every name agree ; that repentance 
towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ should 
be the main subject of our teaching. To renew the heart 
by a living faith, and to perfect that holiness, without which 
no man shall see the Lord, should be the great end of all our 
Christian aims. 

If we respect, or regard a man, who is loose in his morals, 
or worldly in his affections, because he is a Churchman, 
more than we do a pious and exemplary Christian of another 
denomination ; this is to regard the Church more than re- 
ligion; our sect more than Christianity ; and those, who 
belong to us, more than those, who belong to Christ. 



576 APPENDIX. 

The Prayer-book must be so framed and so understood as 
to agree with the Scriptures ; and not the Scriptures, so as 
to conform to the Prayer-book. 

No minister can be supposed to promise submission and 
obedience to the Church, but as the Church renders sub- 
mission and obedience to God. 

By High Church is meant that view of Ecclesiastical Poli- 
ty, which exalts the power ; and by Low Church, that view 
of Ecclesiastical Polity, which depresses the power. Chris- 
tians may, and do, incline to one or the other of these views, 
in various ways and degrees ; so that the greater part, from 
honest principle, from party interests, from sectarian influ- 
ence, or from inattention to the subject, may, and probably 
do, incline to the one extreme, or to the other. The same 
person, too, may, in one point, incline to High Church, and, 
in another, to Low Church, views. Want of attention to 
this distinction causes much confusion in the minds of peo- 
ple on this subject. But, we trust, there is a large class, 
who are so near the truth as it is in Jesus, that they ought 
not to be numbered with either of them. And, to this class, 
all Christians should belong. 

Every person on earth, at the present or any previous time, 
is either baptized, or not baptized. If baptized, their baptism 
may have been more or less regular, and solemn; and at- 
tended with prayers more or less appropriate. This, how- 
ever, does not make them more or less really baptized. 
Furthermore; every baptized person is a member of the 
Church, and in covenant with God. Baptism initiates into 
the Church and into the covenant. Nothing else does, or 
can. If a person be not baptized, neither confirmation, nor the 
Lord?s Supper, nor yet Holy Orders, can initiate and make 
him a member of the Church. On this point, then, to hold, 
that none but Episcopal baptism is valid, or true ; that none 
but this admits into Christ's Church, is to take a position 
fatal to our Church itself. There are multitudes, who have 



APPENDIX. 577 

been confirmed, and are communicants, and not a few, who 
are, or have been, in Holy Orders, even among Bishops; 
but who are not members of Christ's Church, because they 
have never been Episcopally baptized. Besides, Bishops, 
thus situated, have ordained inferior clergy, and probably, 
consecrated other Bishops ; when they were not members of 
the Church themselves, and could not, on this theory, make 
others members. Thus, our whole stream of office and mem- 
bership has been corrupted ; we know not how far, or in 
what direction, the taint may have spread ; and can never, 
without endless difficulty, ascertain who are, and who are 
not, members of the Church. 

The true Church is in Christ. We are all baptized into 
that one body, and so become members of Him. In Him, 
as Christians, we live, and move, and have our being. The 
first thing, which our Church in her Catechism teaches is, 
that, by baptism, we are made " members of Christ." But 
some reverse this, and talk of " Christ in the Church;" thus 
making the Church the container, and Christ the thing con- 
tained. This is to put the Church above Christ. 

Some are unwilling to distribute the Bible without the 
Prayer-book ; alleging as a reason, that the Church of God 
should go with the Word of God. This, however, implies 
that there is a Church not to be found in the Bible. 



APPENDIX II. 



When the Memoir of Bishop Griswold was announced to 
the public, as in a course of preparation, it was proposed to 
append to it a selection from his Episcopal Charges, and 
other official discourses; and it was the intention of the 
writer of the memoir to make this selection equal in bulk 
with the memoir itself. But, in the execution of the task 
assigned him, his work has so grown on his hands, that he 

BBB 



578 APPENDIX. 

is at last compelled to give it to the public with very little 
indeed in the shape of the proposed selection. The former 
Appendix is, indeed, a selection from the Bishop's writings; 
not always, it is true, in his own words ; since, being written 
on loose scraps of paper, and evidently with a view to their 
being imbodied in other forms and with regular discourses, 
the thoughts, there preserved, were sometimes left unfinished, 
or with mere hints to fuller expression ; though, for the most 
part, they were fully written, and are given in his own lan- 
guage. It is probable, too, that much of the former Appen- 
dix may actually be found, in scattered sentences, through- 
out his Episcopal addresses, or in some of his numerous ser- 
mons. Still, the whole amount of matter, both in the first 
and second Appendix, is small in comparison with what it 
was at first intended to imbody in this part of the work ; and 
a collection of the Bishop's Episcopal Charges and Addresses, 
in a volume by themselves, will still remain a desideratum, 
which, it is hoped, some competent hand may be induced 
to supply. 

Whether the writer has done wisely in allowing the me- 
moir to grow to such a size, it must be left for others to say. 
Its growth, so far as it has been unexpected, lies in that part 
of the work, in which he has attempted a sketch of the 
origin, progress and results of the Eastern Diocese. Should 
it be found, however, that he has succeeded in giving in- 
terest to that attempt, he will hope, especially as he has 
wrought into the history of the Diocese so many valuable 
extracts from the Bishop's Addresses to his Convention, to 
be justified in the shape, which he has finally given to the 
whole work ; and even to be considered as having virtually 
fulfilled whatever of promise has been given of a selection 
from the Bishop's papers. 

All that can now be added is, 1. the Sermon, delivered 
by the Bishop-elect before the Convention, which was held 
between his election and his consecration ; and 2. the 
Charge of 1814, with a Pastoral Letter prefixed ; this Letter 
having been written in 1816, when he gave that Charge to 
the press. 



A SERMON, 

v 

DELIVERED IN TRINITY CHURCH, BOSTON, AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CON- 
VENTION OF THE EASTERN DIOCESE, 26TH SEPTEMBER, 1810, BY ALEXANDER 
V. GRISWOLD, RECTOR OF ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, BRISTOL, (R. I.) BISHOP- 
ELECT. 

/ charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall 
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom, Preach 
the word ; be instant in season, out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, 
with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come, when 
they will not endure sound doctrine ; but after their own lusts shall they 
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. — 2 Timothy, iv. 1 — 3. 

Such was the charge, so very solemn, which St. Paul, 
not long before his death, addressed to Timothy, his fellow 
labourer in the gospel ministry. And when we consider 
also the exemplary piety and active zeal of this faithful ser- 
vant of Jesus Christ, it evidently concerns us to reflect upon 
the duties and the great obligations of this sacred office. If 
such serious exhortations — such solemn calls to duty, were 
fit and needful for Timothy, who of us can hear them with 
unconcern. 

In the two epistles, which the apostle wrote to this his 
" son in the faith," we have much useful instruction, for 
those especially who are ordained to preach the gospel. The 
passage, selected from the second of these epistles, the last 
probably that the apostle wrote, is worthy of particular at- 
tention ; and the subject it proposes, will not, I trust, be 
deemed impertinent to the present occasion. It is an ear- 
nest call to zeal and faithfulness in the sacred cause of re- 
ligion, which merits the consideration of " all who profess 
and call themselves Christians;" especially those who are 
appointed to manage the concerns of the Church, and 
chiefly the appointed stewards of its holy mysteries. 



580 SERMON. 

The three verses, which have been read, suggest as many 
heads to our discourse : 

In the first, we are reminded of some serious truths, 
which should always excite our zeal for the gospel of Jesus 
Christ. 

In the second, we learn some of the most essential duties 
of those who preach it. And 

In the third, an especial reason is assigned for the utmost 
diligence in discharging them. 

These are the points to which our attention is invited : 
God grant us ears to hear, hearts to understand, and wisdom 
to improve them. 

I. With great solemnity does the apostle introduce this 
charge to Timothy ; — with no less considerations than the 
presence of God, and the day of judgment. " I charge 
thee, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall 
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his 
kingdom." These are motives and reasons, which, how- 
ever common, no serious person can hear without the 
deepest concern ; nor can any Christian slightly regard them, 
without inconsistency or insensibility. There are many 
reasons why we should be faithful and diligent in the dis- 
charge of every duty ; but these chiefly should influence 
our conduct. The duty we owe to God, as our Lord and 
Saviour, and the assurance that he beholds our conduct ; 
that our hearts are in his hand, and our secret thoughts no 
secret to him ; that our Divine Master is the spectator of 
our actions, the witness of our zeal and faithfulness, and 
finally shall appear in his glorious kingdom to "judge the 
quick and the dead," are surely motives to obedience of 
primary obligation. They, who shall be alive at his com- 
ing, with all who sleep in their graves, shall hear his voice 
and come to judgment. God has appointed a day, in which 
he will judge the world in righteousness by this man whom 
he has ordained. And the apostle calls upon us to live as 
in his presence here, and as those who must be judged by 
him hereafter. It is a truth, of which we cannot too often 
be reminded ; which diminishes the worth of all terrestrial 



SERMON. 581 

things, and should stimulate every Christian to press for- 
ward towards the prize of the high calling of God. 

This is peculiarly interesting to the ministers of the gos- 
pel, — the appointed stewards of the mysteries and manifold 
grace of God. For it is justly " required in stewards, that 
a man be found faithful." How awfully accountable to our 
Lord and Master are we, whom he has chosen from the 
world to administer in holy things ! to be instruments in his 
hands of giving life and salvation to men, and of training 
souls for heaven and felicity ! How solemn the thought, 
that the knowledge and practice of truth on earth, and, 
God only knows how far, the happiness or misery of our 
fellow creatures in their future state, may depend on the dili- 
gence with which we perform our duty ! That many souls 
on that dreadful day of " his appearing and his kingdom" 
shall ascribe their misery to our unfaithfulness ! God has 
made us very much dependent. How wretched would be 
our present existence, deprived of mutual benefactions ! 
Nor is it any impeachment of Divine wisdom or goodness 
to suppose, that the same economy pervades his spiritual 
kingdom, and that we may be made instruments of confer- 
ring on our fellow creatures, not only temporal, but eternal 
benefits. And if it be displeasing to God to neglect our 
duty in the one case, how much more in the other ! If the 
rich man, who suffers the poor to languish at his gate with- 
out relief, shall be condemned, how great is his guilt, who 
neglects to dispense the riches of grace and salvation to 
those needy souls, who are made dependent on his ministra- 
tions ! If we sin in withholding temporal food from those 
who need, how much more in keeping back the food of 
eternal life ! So awful is the responsibility of our steward- 
ship : So tremendous are the conditions, on which we hold 
our sacred office. 

With what faithfulness then and zeal, ought we to watch, 
" as they who must give account" to our heavenly Master, 
and stand with others before his judgment. How ought we 
to take heed to ourselves, and to our doctrine, lest, after 
preaching to others, we become cast away. Freely have we 



582 SERMON. 

received ; freely are we commanded to give. " Son of 
Man," saith the Lord by his prophet,* " I have made thee 
a watchman ; — therefore hear the word at my mouth, and 
give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, 
Thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, — 
to save his life, — he shall die in his iniquity ; but his blood 
will I require at thy hand." 

II. How we shall discharge this duty, and deliver our 
own soul we thus are taught by the holy apostle : " Preach 
the word : be instant, in season, out of season : reprove, 
rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine." It 
has pleased God to appoint, that, chiefly by the ordinance 
of preaching, men shall receive the knowledge of his salva- 
tion. He chose this foolish and weak thing of the world, 
to confound the wise and the mighty. Twelve apostles, in 
the lower ranks of life, with nothing of this world to re- 
commend them, were sent, as the heralds of peace and 
salvation, to bear the banners of a crucified Saviour through 
the earth. These were to encounter the prejudice of the 
Jews, the ignorance of the Gentiles, the pride of learning 
and philosophy, the power of idolatry, and the corruption 
and depravity of all mankind. In the strength of God 
they went, and they prospered. Preaching remains still 
the sacred ordinance by which God ordinarily imparts to 
man the knowledge of his grace and faith in him. For 
as our apostle says, " How shall they call ori him, in whom 
they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in 
him, of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they 
hear, without a preacher ? and how shall they preach, ex- 
cept they be sent ?" The ordinance is important as it is 
divine ; and Timothy, as indeed every one ordained to that 
ministry, is here exhorted to zeal and faithfulness. 

" Preach the word," says the apostle, comprising in two 
words an injunction of vast import. To preach the word, — 
to preach the gospel, — and to preach Jesus Christ, are 
common scriptural phrases of the same meaning. For 

* Ezek. iii. 17, 18. 






SERMON. 583 

though the word includes all Holy Scriptures written for 
our learning, and the whole law of God, the same Scrip- 
tures teach, that " Jesus Christ is the end of the law for 
righteousness to every one who believeth." All the pro- 
phets centre in him as the way and the life. The law 
looks forward, and the gospel back, to him alone, as the 
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. St. 
Peter, in his discourse before Cornelius, has given us a 
good explanation of what we may understand by preaching 
the word. "The word" he says, " which God sent unto 
the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (he is 
Lord of all,) that word, I say, ye know, which was pub- 
lished throughout all Judea ; — how God anointed Jesus of 
Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power : — whom 
they slew and hanged on a tree : him God raised up the 
third day. — And he commanded us to preach unto the 
people and to testify, that it is he which was ordained of 
God to be the judge of quick and dead. To him give all 
the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever be- 
lie veth in him shall receive remission of sins." This then 
is the word which we are to preach ; That Jesus Christ is 
the Lord our righteousness, who died for our sins, and rose 
again for our justification, and that eternal salvation is to be 
obtained through faith in his merits. This was the subject 
of St. Paul's preaching, who " testified, both to the Jews 
and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith 
toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Such should be the 
theme of our discourses. Whatever we teach and how- 
ever good in itself, which has no respect to the Redeemer, 
nor our salvation through him, is not his gospel, nor is it 
the word, in the apostle's sense. We must preach the 
doctrines of the Saviour's cross ; such as the sinful, fallen 
state of man ; the redemption, which is through his blood ; 
the necessity of a conversion from sin, and renovation of 
the heart, through the sanctifying influence of the Divine 
Spirit, with the insufficiency of our best deeds and merit, 
and of our natural strength to attain acceptance with God 
and eternal life. We must preach "repentance toward 



584 SERMON. 

God," as the necessary preparation for his heavenly king- 
dom, and the comforts of the gospel. We must set forth 
" faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," as the condition of 
salvation through his blood ; as the element of Christianity ; 
as the life and soul of moral goodness. 

We must also teach the necessity, and exhort men to the 
performance of every religious duty, — of every gospel ordi- 
nance, as the evidence, not of our righteousness, but of 
our faith. The sacred ordinances of our religion, are, on 
God's part, testimonials of his love to us in Jesus Christ. 
On our part they are public acknowledgments of our un- 
worthiness to merit life eternal ; of our inability to save 
ourselves ; of our gratitude for God's mercies ; of our trust 
in the Lord our Redeemer, and submission to his righteous- 
ness. 

Moral virtue, though not in itself the word we are to 
preach, is also a very necessary part of our preaching. It is 
" a faithful saying," and it is our duty to " affirm constantly, 
that they who have believed in God be careful to main- 
tain good works." We are to teach the strictest and purest 
morality : not indeed as the foundation of our hope, or 
ground of our justification; not as entitling us to heaven 
and happiness : but as the just return for God's goodness ; 
as a grateful acknowledgment of his mercies ; as a cordial 
compliance with his will ; as the proper fruit of Christian 
faith ; as a participation in the Saviour's cross, and a con- 
formity to his holy example, necessary to the glorious re- 
wards of his heavenly kingdom. 

Such is the morality we are called to preach, founded on 
a faith in the doctrines of the gospel ; and it is the only 
morality- which will be of much real benefit to mankind. 
Let us expatiate ever so finely on the inherent beauty and 
amiableness of virtue ; though we " speak with tongues of 
men and of angels" of the natural fitness of moral rectitude ; 
though we earnestly declaim against the vices of the age, 
and expose to view the deformity of sin, w T e shall never re- 
move it from the heart, nor make men better, till we make 
them Christians. When was the heart ever changed, or the 



SERMON. 585 

world reformed, by this kind of teaching ? Will the best 
precepts of morality, independent of the truths and motives 
which the gospel reveals, awaken sinners to repentance ? 
Our flowery disquisitions on the various duties of life, 
though polished smooth as marble, will be as cold, nor 
touch the heart with the pure flame of devotion. That 
virtue is amiable, none can deny. But are its charms alone 
sufficient to counterbalance the allurements of the world, 
and restrain the inordinate propensities of corrupted nature ? 
No : we must preach the word ; we must preach the gospel : 
we must preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified. We must 
cleanse the fountain, that the streams may be pure. The 
word, the quickening word of God must be " grafted in- 
wardly in the heart/' before it will " bring forth the fruit of 
good living." They, who are whole, need not a physician ; 
and they, who think themselves whole, feel not the want of 
one. Men must be sensible of their sinful, perilous state, 
before they will "hunger and thirst after righteousness;" 
which yet they must do, before they are fed. For God fills 
the hungry with good things, and the vainly rich he sends 
empty away. How shall we apply to the great Physician, 
till we are sensible, that " we have no health in us?" 

The apostle further exhorts Timothy to be zealous and 
active in preaching this word. " Be instant ;" be pressing, 
prompt, and urgent, making no delay. In business of such 
interesting concern, no time is to be wasted. God only 
knows what blessings may attend our pious labours : he 
only knows what irreparable evils may result from our 
negligence. 

Nor must we neglect any favourable opportunity. " Be 
instant, in season ; out of season." For " to every thing 
there is a season, and a time for every purpose under 
heaven." Accordingly "the Lord said, Who then is that 
faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler 
of his household, to give them their portion of meat in due 
season?" It highly concerns us all, who are invested with 
that sacred office, the stewardship of our Lord's household, 
to put this question to our own hearts. 






586 SERMON. 

Wisdom and good order require, that there should be 
stated times and seasons for preaching the gospel. The 
apostle's words, "in season, out of season," imply that 
certain times for this service were then observed. The 
first day of the week, called therefore the Lord's day, was 
no doubt then in season, as it has been since. Timothy is 
directed, and we of course, to preach, not only on this 
day, set apart for that sacred purpose, but occasionally at 
other times, as opportunity occurs of being useful. " In the 
morning sow thy seed, and in the evening spare not thy 
hand." While men have ears to hear, let us not withhold 
the word. Let us be watchful of fit times to dispense the 
treasures of the gospel, and give to all their portion in due 
season. Let not indolence, nor any influence of worldly 
things, set us to find excuses for neglecting this duty ; but 
imitate our heavenly Father, who is more ready to give, 
than we to ask or receive. 

We are further commanded to " reprove, rebuke, ex- 
hort, with all long suffering and doctrine." The preacher 
of the word must be attentive, not only to the " due sea- 
son ;" but also to the respective wants and condition of his 
hearers, that he may give to all their portion of meat. " Of 
some," says St. Jude, " have compassion, making a diffe- 
rence, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the 
fire." Presumptuous, daring sinners, will need reproof, 
and often rebukes. We are not to flatter men in their sins, 
nor put soft names upon those transgressions which incur 
the wrath of God, and lead to endless misery. " Knowing" 
ourselves " the terrors of the Lord," we must cease not 
to warn the wicked of their danger, and " persuade men," 
as they fear God, or regard their future happiness, to flee 
from sin. Those who stand we must exhort to perseverance 
and " patient continuance in well doing ;" that with pur- 
pose of heart, they cleave unto the Lord, holding fast the 
profession of their faith without wavering ; that, " leaving 
the principles of the doctrine of Christ," they "go on unto 
perfection," " adding to their faith virtue ; — knowledge, 
— temperance, — patience, — godliness, — brotherly kindness, 



SERMON. 587 

and — charity." Give them just notions of the doctrines 
and the duties of Christianity ; that they neither neglect 
good works, nor improperly trust in them. Teach them to 
"rejoice with trembling:" to fear without despair, and to 
hope without presumption. Thus should our preaching, 
far as possible, be adapted to the wants of all ; to awaken 
sinners to righteousness ; to rouse the careless to vigilance ; 
to strengthen the wavering with faith ; to comfort the fear- 
ful with hope; and check the too confident with fear. 

Such is the duty we assume, when we receive the sacred 
office of ambassador of Christ, and are authorised to speak 
in God's name, and by his authority to mankind : an office 
ever to be undertaken with great reverence and a deep 
sense of its importance, and after discharged with equal 
care and fidelity. Timothy, though of an infirm constitu- 
tion, and ill bodily health, is exhorted to be thus extremely 
diligent. How cautious then should we be, that no ex- 
cuses of a vain or trifling nature shall satisfy our conscience 
in neglecting so great a duty. 

III. The apostle adds, in the third verse of the text be- 
fore us, an especial reason for the active zeal which he re- 
commends : " For the time will come when they will not 
endure sound doctrine, but, after their own lusts, shall they 
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." This 
unpleasant part of our subject must not pass unnoticed. To 
what time he has reference, when these schisms and cor- 
ruptions would commence, it is unnecessary to inquire. Our 
own time is that, with which we are chiefly concerned ; and 
unhappily to our own time this prediction but too well cor- 
responds. That there is an unwillingness to " hear sound 
doctrine" is much too evident from the many contradictory 
doctrines which are received, and the various sects into 
which the Church is divided. We live in an age and coun- 
try, when and where, should we call in question the right 
of any to " heap to themselves teachers," and such teach- 
ers as their " ears" prefer, no authority of the apostle 
would shield us from the charge of bigotry. The ordinance 



588 SERMON. 

of preaching is not more liable to abuse by the indolence or 
vain-glory of those who are called to the ministry, than by 
the carnal propensities and caprice of hearers. There is 
no doubt but many are led to hear sermons by " itching 
ears," to gratify curiosity, to be amused with novelty, or 
to be flattered and confirmed in favourite opinions, rather 
than by better motives. " Whereas there is among you 
envying, strife, and divisions, — while one saith, I am of 
Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal?" 
This propensity of Christians to " walk as men," — to re- 
gard more their own pleasure and self-will, than the will of 
God, and the peace and harmony of his Church, is indeed, 
as the apostle intimates, and sad experience verifies, what 
renders the labours of Christ's ministers more arduous and 
difficult, and induces the necessity of greater exertions. It 
becomes therefore our duty in all our preaching, in season 
and out of season ; in all our reproofs, rebukes, and exhor- 
tations to have a singular eye to this evil. Let us be care- 
ful to teach that doctrine only which is " sound," and to 
" contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the 
saints." Let no worldly motives of pride or selfishness, no 
influence of party spirit, no prejudice of education, nor any 
considerations of interest or popularity ever induce us to 
" fashion our doctrines to the varying hour," or neglect 
" to declare the whole counsel of God." At the same 
time let us follow after the things which make for peace in 
the Church, and after that charity which is its bond of per- 
fectness. For the truth's sake let us give up every thing 
but the truth ; and while we become all things to all men, 
let it be as the ozier bending before the storm, with the root 
invariably fixed and immoveable. It being so indispensa- 
bly necessary to the success of our ministry, and the gene- 
ral prosperity of religion, that we are zealously active in 
propagating the doctrine which is sound, let us not turn to 
the right hand nor to the left, nor be weary in well doing. 
Let us ever imitate that constant and glowing, yet dignified 
and temperate zeal, equally remote from lukewarmness and 



SERMON. 589 

from enthusiasm, which was so perfectly exemplified in our 
blessed Saviour, and so happily followed by his holy 
apostles. 

Nor is it less our duty to hear sound doctrine, than to 
teach it ; and we must take heed what we hear, no less 
than what we teach. The gospel is not sent to please the 
ear, nor flatter the capricious humours of man ; but to 
make us wise unto salvation ; to change the heart, and 
bring it in subjection to the will of God. The question is 
not what men prefer, but what God has taught. The ora- 
tor of this world is at liberty to accommodate his discourse 
to the various interests, tastes, and opinions of mankind ; 
but we must deliver to you the message, which we have 
received. We " cannot go beyond the word of the Lord 
to do less or more." We must preach his word, and de- 
clare his counsel. We must carry our commission in our 
hand ; nor can we lawfully depart from the holy command- 
ment given unto us. We are not at liberty to prophesy 
smooth things, or to select popular and pleasing subjects, 
but must often speak things ungrateful to our hearers. Be- 
ing ambassadors for Christ we must be about his business, 
and pray you in his stead to be reconciled to God. We 
must " reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long suffering 
and doctrine." Remember, therefore, that God is wiser 
than man, and that in his name we speak, " as though God 
did beseech you by us." And most solemnly do we beseech 
you, to let no considerations of separate interest, or personal 
feeling, or worldly affections ever influence your minds to 
reject or pervert the pure Word of God, or to do any thing, 
which will frustrate its prosperity, or cause or perpetuate 
divisions in the Church of Christ. 

Finally, let us all, each in his respective station, unite in 
the glorious work, to which it has pleased God to call us, 
and with sincere hearts and pious zeal, labour to establish 
and extend the Redeemer's kingdom. The very interesting 
and important business, which has called us here, calls also 
for our united exertions in the sacred cause. Great reason 
have we to bless God for the unusual harmony, which has 

ccc 



590 SERMON . 

hitherto prevailed among the members of this and the pre- 
ceding Convention, and among all the Churches which we 
represent. Is it not a most auspicious indication " of his 
favour and goodness towards us, and that he favourably 
alloweth this charitable work of ours" in attempting to 
u strengthen the things which remain," and revive our 
Churches from their languid state ? Humbly may we hope, 
from his mercies past, that he will bless and prosper our 
present work. The peculiar state of our Church in this 
new Diocese calls loudly upon all its friends, and especially 
upon us of this Convention, to make those great exertions 
enjoined in our text, and every other exertion which its in- 
terest requires. God is promising, as we may humbly trust, 
a great blessing upon our labours. Apparently, an opportu- 
nity is given us, of seeing the Church prosperous in our 
day, and of conferring great and durable benefits upon 
posterity. Should we lose this favourable season, God only 
knows, if he w T ill vouchsafe another. Now is the accepted 
time. Let us be awake to a sense of God's mercies, and 
of our own duty. Let us be zealous, — let us be united, as 
a band of brethren, in every requisite effort. Of the di- 
vine favour we may be assured, if we are not wanting to 
ourselves. But without labour we are not to expect fruit. 
Though we " hear sound doctrine ;" though we are ever 
So orthodox in our creeds and articles ; ever so regular and 
apostolic in our worship and discipline ; yet, if we are 
careless and inattentive to the duties of our profession, our 
labours will not prosper; tares will be sown among the 
wheat ; " they will heap to themselves teachers," and our 
Churches will decline. This are we taught in the Word of 
God, and this we are taught by long experience of Chris- 
tianity from the seven Churches of Asia, in the apostle's 
days, to seventy times seven in our own age, and even in 
our own country. 

Let us labour especially in preaching the Word, and pro- 
pagating sound doctrine. Let us always be found at our 
post upon the watch tower of Zion, prompt at every call, 
and at every season. While men will hear the gospel, let 



SERMON. 591 

us not withhold it ; but always " fill the hungry with good 
things," and let it be their own fault, if any are " sent 
empty away." 

May it please God, in his own good time, to grant us 
once more an Episcopal head, duly qualified for the sacred 
office, and invested with the same authority as Timothy, the 
first Bishop of Ephesus, to " reprove, rebuke, and exhort;" 
to "ordain elders in every city," and every parish, where 
they are needed ; to visit and oversee the Churches, and 
complete the administration of all the gospel ordinances. 
This we may humbly hope, with his blessing, will be a great 
and effectual means of prospering the work which we have 
in hand. 

And let us add, to our exertions, humble and devout sup- 
plications to Almighty God, that he will inspire us with holy 
zeal and heavenly wisdom ; that he will direct our counsels 
and deliberations ; strengthen our hands and bless our la- 
bours to his glory, and to the good and salvation of his 
people. 

And to Him, the only wise God, be ascribed all glory and 
praise, both now and forever, amen. 



A CHARGE. 



ADDRESSED TO THE CLERGY OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE 
EASTERN DIOCESE, DELIVERED BEFORE THE BIENNIAL CONVENTION, IN PORTS- 
MOUTH, N. H., SEPTEMBER 28, 1814; AND PUBLISHED BY THEIR REQUEST, TO 
WHICH IS PREFIXED, A PASTORAL LETTER. BY ALEXANDER V. GRISWOLD, D. D., 
BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE. 



CCG 



PASTORAL LETTER, 

TO THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE-ISLAND, 
NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND VERMONT. 

Dearly beloved in the Lord, — The discourse, herewith 
presented unto you, was delivered more than a year since, 
and you may justly demand the reason of its appearance in 
public, and why at so late a period. There was, at the time, 
a vote of the Convention, requesting a copy for the press, 
which compliment was then declined from a consciousness 
that it possessed not merit sufficient to justify its publication. 
It has certainly at present no better claim to this honour ; but 
circumstances have at length constrained me, with much re- 
luctance, to this measure, in hope that it may possibly, 
through the Divine blessing, be made, in some degree, the 
humble instrument of calling your attention to a subjeet, in 
which the general cause of religion, and the interest of our 
Church especially, are much concerned. Some efforts have 
been made, and are still in agitation, by a few individuals, 
to form Missionary Societies, and to collect a little fund for 
sending the light and comforts of the gospel, among those 
who are destitute. We are far from believing that there is 
any peculiar repugnance to this .good work, among Chris- 
tians of our communion : yet from some unhappy cause, it 
is a fact but too evident, that your serious attention has not 
been duly engaged in this important subject. There is pro- 
bably no other Church, by which it is so much neglected, as 
by ours in this Diocese. 

In our Diocesan Convention, which met at Providence, 
Sept. 30th, 1812, it was " voted that the Bishop be requested 
to appoint a Sunday annually, on which a contribution shall 
be made at each Church within the Diocese, and transmitted 
by the Rector and Wardens thereof to the Treasurer of the 



PASTORAL LETTER. 595 

Trustees of Donations to the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
to be appropriated under the direction of the Bishop, to the 
supplying of vacant parishes with preaching and the printing 
and distributing of cheap tracts, explanatory of the doctrines 
and discipline of the Episcopal Church." Such a circular 
letter was accordingly sent to all the Churches in the Dio- 
cese, appointing Easter Sunday as the day, on which such 
collections should annually be made. On the Easter follow- 
ing, most of the parishes complied with this request of their 
Clerical and Lay-delegates : but, in the two years since, a 
few of them only appear to have given attention to this 
business. That an effort so laudable, and so well calculated 
to do good, has not been more successful is much to be re- 
gretted by all pious Christians, and chiefly by those who are 
friends to the Episcopal Church. To whom, or to what 
cause must our failure be ascribed ? Have the ministers of 
our Churches felt so little concern for the spread of the Gos- 
pel, and the salvation of mankind, as to neglect the propos- 
ing and encouraging of such contributions ? Or is it rather 
the fact, that the collections have been duly attempted, and, 
in most of the Churches, none were found able, or none 
willing to contribute ? Is our disappointment owing to the 
want of zeal, or to the want of means ? 

In the Charge, which follows, the attempt is made to 
awaken our Churches to a sense, of this momentous duty ; 
and the hope is indulged, that no offence will be taken at 
line upon line, and precept added to precept. The efforts, 
made by other denominations of Christians, to propagate the 
Gospel, are a reproach upon us ; and when we consider 
what they effect, it should encourage us the more to follow 
their good example. Is it to us only, that God has denied 
the ability of sending missionaries to preach his Gospel ? 
Are we of all men the most indigent ? Let the contribution 
be general, let each one give something, though it be but 
little, and the whole amount will be considerable. Very 
few are so destitute, that they can make no offering to God. 
Who will say, that he cannot give a mite 9 A very little, 
applied to so excellent a purpose, may do much good : and 



596 PASTORAL LETTER. 

if it be given freely and with pious intention, no sacrifice, 
no work can be more acceptable to God. He knows our 
wants, our abilities, and our hearts; and we know who 
hath said, "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted 
according to that a man hath, and not according to that he 
hath not." If the fault be in the mind ; if we have no zeal 
for the Lord's work ; if we feel no sincere interest in the pro- 
pagation of our holy faith, how can we hope, that he will 
give us prosperity ? If, while others are sending their mis- 
sionaries to the four winds of heaven, we will not provide 
for our own house, nor cultivate that part of the vineyard 
allotted for our labours, what less can we expect, than that 
the Lord should cast us out, and let his ground to other 
husbandmen. 

" But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you — 
though we thus speak." We are persuaded, that this ap- 
parent indifference to Missionary labours is not from want of 
love to the Redeemer's kingdom: we believe, that you 
possess both the desire and the means of promoting its pros- 
perity. Your serious attention has not been awakened to 
the importance of the subject. It is but recently, if indeed 
it may be now said, that Protestants have been generally, 
and much engaged in this work. Too just has been the 
censure cast upon us all, by the Church of Rome, that, 
while we professed a purer faith, and more ardent zeal for 
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the v burthen of propagating it 
among the heathen was left with them. It is a reproach, 
that we must bear in common, with the exception of the 
Moravian Brethren, whose zeal and persevering labours to 
convert the heathen are above all praise.* Though we are 
late in the work, who will boast of being early ? We may 

* We may add also, the exceptions of two ancient and very respectable 
Societies in England by members of the Established Church ; the one for 
propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and the other, for promoting 
Christian Knowledge, which have laboured more than a century, with 
honour and much usefulness. To the former, for its fostering care of our 
Churches in this country, we are under the deepest obligations of gratitude 
and affection. 



PASTORAL LETTER. 597 

yet tread on the heels of those, who are gone before. Our 
numbers are few, and thinly scattered over a large extent of 
country ; nor have we, till very lately, been so organized 
and united, as to attempt, with probability of success, any 
missionary labours. But now, through divine goodness, 
these obstacles are in part removed, — our Churches flourish: 
our numbers increase, and we may conveniently unite, in 
any measures, to promote the cause of Christianity. The 
time is now fully come, when we may and ought to shew 
our faith, by our works ; the purity of our doctrines, by our 
care to impart them " to every creature." Should the present 
publication be instrumental in awakening your thoughts to 
this subject, its object will be attained. With this humble 
hope, has the following discourse been committed to the 
press, in which some of the considerations above suggested 
are much insisted upon. If we use plainness of speech, it 
is to those, who know that the excellence of spiritual food 
consists not in its novelty, nor in the elegance of style in 
which it is served up ; but in its wholesome and nutritious 
nature. Nor is this Pastoral Address, if it may be allowed 
so honourable a name, intended as a censure for any past 
neglect : rather and most cordially, in behalf of the Church 
and the cause of religion, do we render grateful acknowledg- 
ments to those of you, whether parishes or individuals, who 
have contributed for our Missionary fund. Something con- 
siderable was collected, which has been, and we trust con- 
tinues to be, the means of doing much good. 

The Gospel has been preached and is now heard, in 
several small parishes, and some are likely to be preserved 
and raised up by your bounty. Even this little book is 
among the fruits, though the least worthy, of your liberality. 
As a body of Christians, we are very remiss in Missionary 
labours; but there are individuals among us whose praise is, 
or ought to be, in all the Churches : whose liberality and 
zeal have, under God, been chiefly instrumental in reviving 
the Church in these Eastern States, from its rapid decline. 
u Remember them, O my God, concerning this, and wipe 
not out their good deeds that they have done for the house 



598 PASTORAL LETTER. 

of our God, and for the offices thereof."* Future genera- 
tions shall rise up and call them blessed. May they never 
want that comfort of peace and salvation, which they would 
charitably impart to others. May the invaluable blessings, 
which instrumentally they dispense to perishing sinners, be 
rewarded seven fold into their own bosoms. The object of 
this address is to call your serious attention to a subject, 
which has not been generally and duly considered. When 
you reflect how much it is the duty of Christians to promulge 
the Gospel ; how great are its blessings to mankind ; how 
many of our fellow creatures, and even of our fellow citizens, 
are yet destitute of these blessings ; and how little has been 
done to enlarge the borders of our Zion, in comparison of the 
efforts made and unceasingly making by other denominations, 
to advance the interest and increase the number of their re- 
spective communions ; your concern will be more engaged, 
for the honour and the interest of ours, not only that we 
should bear our full share of evangelical labours ; but that 
the doctrines and formularies of our Church may be dis- 
played, among the standards of other Christian communities ; 
and, that the people may be informed " concerning this 
sect," which in this country has been so much " spoken 
against." The most decided experience has fully shown, 
that this prejudice will yield to knowledge, and that those 
sincere believers, who are best acquainted with the Protest- 
ant Episcopal Church, are sure, with very few exceptions, 
to become its warmest friends. There is every reason to 
suppose, that thousands, not only of Christians, but of those 
who profess no religion, though now much prejudiced against 
it, were they made acquainted with its true character, would 
rejoice in the purity of its tenets, and the efficacy of its apos- 
tolic administrations : not to mention the numbers (which to 
some would be astonishing) of those who are unacquainted, 
not only with the excellencies, but even with the name, of 
the Episcopal Church. I am sensible, that we generally and 
very much disapprove of the means and artifices, too often 

* Nehem. xiii. 14. 



PASTORAL LETTER. 599 

used, to draw Christians from one denomination to another, 
and that we would not build on another man's foundation. 
But let us also shun the opposite extreme : let us not, through 
a false delicacy, forbear to teach what we sincerely believe. 
Let us modestly, and in the fear of God, propose our claims 
to orthodoxy ; preach the Gospel, such as we think it to be, 
and let men judge, as the Lord shall direct, and their hearts 
be inclined. " I would have you wise unto that which is 
good, and simple concerning evil." 

At the last Biennial Convention in Portsmouth, it was 
voted still to request the parishes to continue their contribu- 
tions at Easter, or some other Sunday, if to any of you 
another should be more convenient. A motion also was 
made for the establishment of a Missionary Society in the 
Diocese, the consideration of which is postponed to the next 
meeting of the Convention. Already has there been one es- 
tablished in Massachusetts ; but it is yet destitute of funds. 
A Missionary Society is also commencing in Rhode Island 
for the purpose of propagating the Gospel in that State. 

You see then how much it is my duty, at this time especi- 
ally, to call your attention to this subject. From various 
coincident considerations, now is evidently the favourable 
time for the encouragement of missionary labours. Never, 
perhaps, since the Apostle's days, has the Lord more clearly 
manifested his willingness to bless the faithful labours of any 
Church. Let us take heed, that we receive not this grace of 
God in vain. Many spiritual seasons we have lost ; let not 
this be added to the number. Let us be thankful to God for 
the many and great mercies already bestowed. Let us glad- 
ly cherish in our hearts a grateful remembrance of those pious 
benefactors of our Church, whom the Lord has made the 
instruments of that degree of prosperity, which it now enjoys. 
And let nothing be neglected, which will perpetuate their 
memory, and transmit the memorial of their charity, and 
labour of love, to the remotest generations. And why, we 
may well ask, is not the number of these bright constella- 
tions enlarged ? When we consider how much it is in the 
power of many in this way to confer such great and perma- 



600 PASTORAL LETTER. 

nent benefit upon mankind ; how easily, not only by oc- 
casional contributions, but by testamentary distribution of 
property, for which they have no further use, and to which 
there is no reasonable claim, they might immortalize both 
their charity and their good name ; and yet how many, in 
such cases, though pious, and sincere friends to the prosperi- 
ty of religion, have chosen rather to bequeath their estates 
wholly to those, who neither need, nor are thankful for the 
bequest ; to those, not unfreeuiently, who are really injured, 
and sometimes ruined by the sudden acquisition ; to what 
cause shall we ascribe such apparent forgetfulness of a Chris- 
tian's duty ? May it not in part be owing to our ingratitude ? 
Because we do not, as we ought, cherish the remembrance 
of our benefactors ? For though men, in giving to religious 
uses, seek, or ought to seek, the honour of God, and the 
good, rather than the praise of men ; yet, while ungrateful, 
we are unworthy of benefits, and God in justice may with- 
hold them from us. But chiefly, I fear, we neglect applying 
directly to Him, who is the true source of all benefactions. 
A praying people God will bless. Let us humbly and de- 
voutly look to him in prayer, that he will inspire us with a 
holy zeal for his glory, and the increase of his kingdom ; 
that he will open the hearts of all our people, to whom he 
has given the means ; that, through his blessing, provision 
may be made for sending faithful ministers to preach his 
Gospel to the poor, and to repair the waste places of Zion ; 
and that our Church may growandprosperonthe sure foun- 
dation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself 
being ever and truly regarded as the chief Corner-stone. 

Other subjects are briefly considered in the following dis- 
course ; and they are not here passed in silence, because of 
less importance. Lest I should too much weary, or divide 
your attention, I have here called it to that point only, which 
is of the most immediate concern. As my situation and cir- 
cumstances will not permit me to visit you, often as my in- 
clination, and, perhaps, the good of the Churches may re- 
quire, I may soon, should the Lord be pleased to continue 
my pastoral labours, avail myself of the facility, which the 



PASTORAL LETTER. 601 

press affords, for some further communications respecting 
other and not less necessary things. 

That the Lord may enlighten you in all knowledge, wis- 
dom, and grace ; strengthen your hands to every good work ; 
and bless you with that comfort and peace, which passeth 
knowledge, is the humble and earnest prayer of your pastor 
and friend, A. V. Griswold. 

note. 

Since writing the foregoing Address, I have received a letter from the 
Secretary of " The Church Missionary Society for Africa and the 
East," accompanied with a number of "books, which explain its objects 
and proceedings, and the general efforts which are making," by members 
of the Established Church of England, " to propagate the Christian faith 
among the heathen;" desiring, in behalf of the Committee, "to interest the 
Episcopal Church of the United States" in the same good work; and kind- 
ly offering " to render any aid to such efforts in this great cause, as we 
may be inclined to make." From these communications it appears, that 
a zeal for propagating the Gospel is rapidly increasing in the Church of 
England, which promises great success. Soon, no doubt, will that Church, 
as she ought, take the lead in this holy warfare ; and from her means and 
advantages, through the Divine blessing, may reasonably be expected the 
most happy effects. Thus have we another call, and a loud one, to this glori- 
ous work. A powerful Ally nobly offers to take us by the hand, and con- 
duct our more feeble steps to the immense field, which now lies open to 
Missionary labours. Let us then immediately accustom our hands to 
labour in the smaller, but not less fertile vineyard around us. And let us 
rejoice in Him, who thus teaches our " fingers to fight the good fight of 
faith." " Let the praises of God be in our mouth, and a two-edged sword" 
"of the Spirit, which is the word of God," " in our hands." Amen* 



DDD 



A CHARGE, 

ADDRESSED TO THE CLERGY OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE 
EASTERN DIOCESE ; 

Delivered before the Biennial Convention, in Portsmouth, Sept. 28, 1814 ; 
and published by their request. 

Reverend brethren in Christ, and Christian Friends : — The 
twenty-third Canon of the General Convention makes it the 
duty of every Bishop of our Church in these United States 
to deliver " Charges to the Clergy of his Diocese." This 
duty, in the events of Divine Providence, has devolved upon 
one the least worthy to address you on such an occasion, 
and who, at the present time, would rather hear, than speak. 
But, called as I am to this office, it is fruitless to waste your 
time with apologies, or to anticipate those defects, which too 
soon will be apparent. The discourse, which is well heard, 
" with an honest and good heart" and faithfully applied to 
practical purposes, is seldom wholly unprofitable ; and this 
good result may at least be expected from the following ob- 
servations. It will be attempted to show the state and pro- 
gress of our spiritual labours, and to direct your attention to 
some of those very important duties, to which, as ministers 
of Jesus Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God, we 
are now more especially called. And this will be attempted 
with a reverential respect to that awakening and comprehen- 
sive admonition of the Holy Ghost to the Church in Sardis, 
written in the Revelation of St. John iii. 1,2, most applica- 
ble indeed, and most awakening to myself; but an admoni- 
tion, in which none who are Christians can be uninterested, 
and in which all, who are preachers of the Gospel, must have 
a deep concern ; " I know thy works, that thou hast a name 
that thou livest and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen 
the things which remain, that are ready to die." 

First of all we ought, brethren, and most earnestly, to call 



BISHOP GRISWOLD's CHARGE, &C. 603 

for united and fervent acknowledgments of gratitude and 
praise to the Father of mercies, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 
that this Convention is permitted once more to meet, under 
circumstances, so auspicious to the continued peace and pros- 
perity of our communion. When we reflect on the many 
and complicated discouragements and obstacles, under which 
the formation of this Diocese commenced ; the diminished 
and declining state of our Churches ; the unsocial habits of 
our brethren, from, their remote and unorganized situation ; 
while the avails of the property, which had been charitably 
designed for religious purposes, were, in a great degree, 
diverted into other channels, and alienated from the use in- 
tended by the pious donors : — and when we further consider, 
notwithstanding these impediments, what, and how much 
beyond our expectation has been our prosperity ; what bless- 
ing has attended the few zealous efforts which have already 
been made ; what unanimity has prevailed in our counsels ; 
what success attended our measures ; must we not see, and 
can we hesitate to acknowledge the hand of God, and the 
special favour of his kind Providence ? How ought this 
earnest of his goodness to awaken our zeal, and animate us 
to greater and persevering exertions ! Our work is but com- 
menced. How vast the field which opens before us ! The 
harvest truly is great, and the labourers few. To us few, 
reverend brethren, has it pleased the Lord to commit the 
care of so large a portion of his vineyard. We are appointed 
watchmen on this hill of Zion. Like the tribe of Levi, 
under the law, our duty and privilege it is to encamp " round 
about the Tabernacle of testimony." And while we thank- 
fully acknowledge the hand of God in his mercies past, let 
us not forget the duties neglected, and the work still undone. 
■ And here is presented a less pleasant view: here we be- 
hold ruins and desolation, and of " the things, which re- 
main," many " that are ready to die." Let us view the 
present condition of our Churches, not to compliment our- 
selves with the little that we may have done, nor to solace 
our minds with the flourishing state of a few solitary plants 
in so large a field; but rather to deplore the desolations, 



604 

which overspread the land, to humble ourselves for seasons 
neglected, and by redoubled diligence and zeal to redeem 
the time which has been lost. 

Among the things, which demand your wisest counsels 
and most vigorous efforts, stand first and most conspicuous 
the small number of our Churches ; the declining state of 
some, which yet remain ; and the still less number of minis- 
ters to labour in them. From the last of these evils evident- 
ly have proceeded, in no small degree, the other two. Many 
opportunities have passed away, and now are lost, where, in 
various parts of these four States, Churches with large and 
respectable congregations might have been established ; but, 
through want of clergymen to encourage the wishes, animate 
the zeal, and lead the devotions of the people, necessity has 
compelled them to form religious connexions less agreeable 
to their choice and belief. In other instances, and they are 
not few, efforts are still making by pious individuals, or by 
small organized societies, to commence, or to continue their 
existence as Episcopal Churches ; but there are no ministers 
of Christ to second their exertions ; to preach the Word, and 
administer among them in holy things. Clouds of despon- 
dency darken around them ; their efforts languish, and their 
zeal is " ready to die." And, notwithstanding the few bright 
exceptions, which enliven the scene, we may well take up 
the lamentation of the prophet, and bewail " that the ways 
of Zion do mourn ;" " her gates are desolate ;" her pleasant 
things decay ; " her people sigh" while " they seek their 
bread ;" while they feel the " famine of hearing the Word 
of God." What is highly necessary to the increase and 
prosperity of the Church in every Diocese is peculiarly so in 
this ; a competent number of clergymen, endued with know- 
ledge, piety, and zeal. Ministers of Christ we need, who 
possess the Spirit of their divine Master, and emulate the 
fidelity of his first apostles ; who have a serious concern for 
the salvation of mankind ; a deep sense of the truths which 
they teach, and who illustrate and enforce their heavenly 
doctrine, by their own good example. We need those, who 
will " seek Jirst the kingdom of God and his righteousness;" 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 



605 



whose meat and drink it is to do his will ; who can renounce 
the world for Christ's sake, and prefer his glory to their own. 
In Churches, well established, a very moderate share of 
these necessary things, a decent deportment, and formal 
routine of official duties, may preserve them from decline. 
But here we have to strengthen the things which remain : 
we have to build up the waste places of Zion ; to repair the 
ruins of what is decayed ; nay, to build anew from the foun- 
dation. There is still, in many places, a call for our labors, 
where, by proper means and due attention, new Churches of 
our communion may yet, with the divine blessing, be raised 
up ; where we may apparently be very instrumental in pro- 
moting the general interests of good morals and true religion ; 
of extending the Redeemer's kingdom, and the knowledge 
and comforts of his salvation ; and of contributing to the in- 
crease and stability of public happiness and social order. 

It is a duty then, highly incumbent, brethren, onus, whom 
the Lord has set as watchmen on this portion of Zion's 
towers, by all possible means to supply this deficiency of 
labourers ; by praying fervently and daily, that the Lord of 
the harvest will send them ; by encouraging worthy clergy- 
men to come amongst and continue with us ; and by bring- 
ing forward suitable candidates for the holy ministry ; remem- 
bering however, that their qualifications are far more essen- 
tial, than their numbers. Those, who have not the neces- 
sary foundation of inward piety and love of God, who 
appear not, from conscientious motives and a deep sense of 
its importance, to be seriously and zealously engaged in the 
sacred cause, however splendid or popular may be their 
talents, will be of little real use in any Church, and least of 
all in ours. There are those, we fear, and their numbers 
not few, who run to this work before they are sent ; who 
enter the sacred ministry, without a due sense of its nature, 
and of the awful responsibility attached to the office. Those, 
most worthy and best qualified, are often the most diffident ; 
and such should be sought for and encouraged to devote 
themselves to God. We need such, as have at heart the 
good of religion more than its emoluments ; those, who fol- 

DDD* 



606 

low Christ for his sake ; who are willing to labour, before 
they reap, and to make some sacrifice in the Redeemer's 
cause, that the poor may have the Gospel preached unto 
them. 

It is a further duty, incumbent on us, in which, however, 
we can do but little without the aid of our lay brethren and 
the people of our congregations, to supply such Churches as 
are poor and destitute, with the preaching of the word, the 
administration of the sacraments, and other means of reli- 
gious edification. In our last Biennial Convention, some 
laudable measures were adopted for effecting this charitable 
work. By collections in our Churches it was intended to 
raise a little fund to employ Missionaries within this Dio- 
cese ; and scarce in any part of the world can they more be 
needed. This promised us the means, in some degree, of 
carrying the Gospel to those, who seldom hear it ; and of 
extending essential and permanent benefits to many small 
and vacant parishes. Nor did our success, the first year, 
disappoint our humble expectations. But, since, the result 
has been painfully discouraging. Has this falling-off been 
occasioned by the pressure of the times ? Or is it owing, 
brethren, to our own remissness in not setting before our 
congregations the importance of the duty, and the great 
benevolence of the object? We surely cannot suppose, that 
the people of our flocks are less liberal, than other Christians. 
The testimonies of a generous and charitable spirit, so great 
and so often repeated, which we have seen and received, 
forbid us to ascribe this failure to sordid principles. Is it 
not rather to be feared, that we have not faithfully called 
them to this duty ; that we have not duly set before them 
its importance ? Have we laboured, as we ought, to awaken 
in them a spirit of love for the souls of men ; a desire to 
evangelize the world, to extend the Redeemer's kingdom 
into distant lands, and to communicate the consolations of 
the everlasting Gospel to those who sit in darkness and the 
shadow of death ? Is it not the fact that our own hearts are 
cold in this glorious work ? Are w r e not too indifferent to 
the spiritual famine, by w r hich our fellow creatures are daily 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 607 

perishing ? It is our Lord's will, that we " preach the Gos- 
pel to every creature :"• — that none should perish through 
want of knowledge. Such is the compassion of the divine 
Saviour for dying sinners, that he has given commission for 
proclaiming the good tidings of his salvation to all the people 
and nations of the earth. 

True it is, that each minister of Christ has his peculiar 
charge ; his family of Christians to provide for, — a little 
flock committed to his care. In this charge it is indeed of 
the first importance, that he be found faithful ; that the 
blessings of religion be diffused through every part of his 
cure, and each cottage be consoled with the salvation of our 
God. But we are bound to extend our care, as the Lord 
shall give us means, to other parts of his vineyard, and call 
upon our flocks to assist us. In this labour of love, should 
every Christian according to his state and abilities, unite. 
And what Christian will say, that he cannot contribute some- 
thing, to so good a work ? Or who, that is able, will re- 
fuse to assist us ? Freely have we received ; freely let us 
give. Shall any, to whom the arm of the Lord is revealed; 
who are called to a knowledge of divine grace, and enjoy 
themselves the blessings of the Gospel ; feel no solicitude to 
dispense the same blessings to all whom they equally con- 
cern ? Are we refreshed, at the fountain of living waters, 
with bread enough and to spare, and yet have no compassion 
for those who are perishing with hunger; who are parched 
in a thirsty land where no water is ? In all those noble 
efforts, which are daily making, to diffuse the light of the 
holy Scriptures, and the knowledge of salvation to the re- 
motest parts of the earth, to the darkest regions of the habi- 
table world, shall our Church only take no part ? Shall we, 
who ought, from the purity of our doctrines, and the charity 
which we profess, to lead the way in every good work, be 
the last to engage in the best of all works, the spreading of 
the Saviour's Gospel ? Far from sending it to distant regions, 
we neglect to promulgate it among ourselves. Considering 
our advantages, and how much the Lord has smiled upon us, 



608 bishop gbjswold's charge 

no part, perhaps, of the Christian field is less cultivated, 
than this in which we are appointed to labour. 

Happily for the general state of religion, and to the great 
honour of the Christian name, the disciples of Jesus are, at 
the present day, awakening to a sense of this duty, and send- 
ing the light of the Gospel to those who sit in darkness. The 
walls of Zion, we trust, are extending on its true foundation 
and chief corner-stone ; on " the apostles and prophets, and 
Jesus Christ himself." His kingdom is enlarged by " the 
sword of the spirit which is the Word of God." Most as- 
tonishing have been the exertions, and not less wonderful 
the effects of Bible Societies, now extended, or rapidly ex- 
tending through the greater part of the Christian world. 
This is an era of Gospel light, surpassed only by that of its 
first propagation ; and the great miracle of the day of Pente- 
cost is almost repeated. Again do the apostles, though all 
Galileans, "preach the Gospel to every creature." Parthians 
and Medes, Cretes and Arabians, the dwellers in Africa 
and the remotest parts of Asia, " hear them speak, in their 
own tongues, the wonderful works of God." Much is al- 
ready done, and more, we may hope, will be speedily 
effected, by the propagation of the written Word. It will 
tend, we may trust, to what is so much by all good men to 
be desired, the union of Christians in faith and affection, in 
doctrine and practice. In proportion as they receive these 
living waters pure from the holy fountain, they will be re- 
freshed with the same comforts, and imbibe the same spirit. 
With the divine blessing it will facilitate that for which we 
daily, and, it is to be hoped, most sincerely pray ; " that all, 
who profess and call themselves Christians, may be led into 
the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the 
bond of peace, and in righteousness of life." 

But still, to those, who have the Bible in their hands, may 
be applied the words of St. Paul to the Romans ; " How 
shall they believe in him, of whom they have not heard ? 
And how shall they hear, without a preacher? And how 
shall they preach, except they be sent ?" The holy Scrip- 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 609 

tures, excellent as they are, will be, in a great measure, but 
a dead letter to those who have no spiritual teachers. God 
in his wisdom has appointed the ordinance of preaching, as 
the ordinary means of conversion, and of instructing his 
people in truth and righteousness. Unquestionably it is the 
duty of all, like the wise Bereans, to search the Scriptures, 
and to learn directly from the pen of inspiration, what God 
has taught : but will they ordinarily do this, and will they 
sufficiently understand what they read, except, like the same 
Bereans, they have first heard the Word spoken; except, 
by messengers sent of God, their consciences are awakened 
to the serious concerns of their future state ? In those parts 
only of the spiritual vineyard, where faithful ministers 
u labour in word and doctrine," can we expect, in much 
abundance, " the fruit of good living." 

But justice requires us to acknowledge, that this duty has 
not been wholly neglected. Not only is the Bible sent to 
instruct the ignorant, but teachers also to bear it ; to publish 
its sacred contents, and to preach the Gospel in this country 
and in foreign nations, where Christ before had not been 
named. In America, and in England, there are Missionary 
Societies, which have manifested a zeal for propagating the 
Gospel, becoming those who profess it ; becoming those 
who feel its blessings, and are actuated by its heavenly princi- 
ples. But the harvest is immensely great, and the labourers 
yet but very few. With sorrow too and with shame must 
we add, that our Church has taken but little part in this good 
work. There is no greater stigma, which has justly been 
affixed to the Established Church of England, and sullies 
that reputation, which so eminently she has acquired in the 
Christian world, than her apathy in regard to propagating 
her faith. In all manner of charities her children much 
abound ; but in this department, in this work of evangelists, 
they have been unaccountably deficient. They contribute 
freely to promote the general work, but have done little to 
extend their own communion. In few of the British colonies 
has Episcopacy, till very lately, been completely organized. 
In these States, before the Revolution, while other denomina- 



610 

tions of Christians enjoyed the full establishment of their re- 
spective systems, the Episcopal Churches were not per- 
mitted to have a Bishop. But now we rejoice to bear testi- 
mony that the Church of England is awaking from this 
lethargy, and arising in her strength. A voice is heard from 
the pale of the Establishment, exhorting her members to 
missionary labours ; a voice that speaks not in vain ; and 
soon, no doubt, will she appear in the foremost ranks of the 
evangelizing host. 

But there is one portion of the Christian Church still de- 
linquent, and however humiliating may be the confession, 
truth will compel us to acknowledge, that it is this portion 
to which we belong ; even the Protestant Episcopal Church 
in the United States. It must, however, be admitted, that there 
are even here some recent and honourable exceptions. Seve- 
ral of our sister Churches in the other States are now mak- 
ing very considerable efforts to spread the Gospel. Where 
then shall we find a Christian community, so little engaged 
in extending its faith as ours of the Eastern Diocese ? And 
yet the Lord, patient in goodness, and abundant in mercy, 
has most evidently manifested a willingness to bless our 
labours. But how long will he be with us ? how long will 
he suffer us ? Can we still expect his favour, while our 
zeal, if indeed it be among " the things which remain," is 
thus languishing and " ready to die ?" 

Now then is it high time to wake out of sleep. Let us 
not by our indolence, tempt the Lord to forsake us. 

Is it not a fact, that we place improper reliance upon our 
orthodoxy, as supposing that truth will spread of itself and 
bear away the prize ; while others on a worse foundation, 
by using better diligence, build with more rapidity ? How 
is it to be lamented that knowledge and zeal, which God 
has joined together, should so often by man be put asunder ! 
Divine truth was never popular in this world, and never 
will be popular, till the nature of man is changed. While 
the true labourer sleeps , the enemy, ever vigilant, sows 
tares ; and when sown, they take such root that they must 
grow. They who are zealous in propagating the doctrines 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 611 

of Christ, though with some mixture of error, will be more 
successful, and indeed more useful, than others who, with 
a sounder creed, are lukewarm. If we would maintain that 
rank among the champions of the Cross, to which we think 
ourselves entitled, let us not rely on the paper arms of can- 
ons, creeds and articles ; but put on the whole armour of 
God : let us press forwards amidst the perils of the holy- 
warfare, the first in labours, or not the first in fame. When 
Peter the apostle was going forth to the good fight of faith, 
how did his Master direct him to distinguish his love above 
that of others ? By his fidelity in dispensing the words of 
life : " feed my lambs — feed my sheep." Those who thus 
" rule well," and " labour in the Word and doctrine," with 
fidelity, shall " be counted worthy of double honour." Let 
us be so distinguished. Let us wake out of this sleep. It 
is time that this too just reproach of indolence should be 
taken away from our Church, and that we, who profess the 
purest faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, should no longer be 
the coldest in zeal for enlarging the borders of his kingdom. 
It is time, that we show our faith by our works. Is it not 
our duty to impart the bread of this life to the hungry ? 
And is it less the duty of Christians to make known the 
will of God to the ignorant, and to rescue thoughtless sin- 
ners from misery and shame ? Was the command of Christ, 
to preach his Gospel to every creature, limited to his first 
apostles ? Has the merciful Saviour, no love, no grace, 
no concern for sinners at the present day ? Is it not the 
duty, still, of every minister, and every Christian, according 
to his means and opportunities, to sound abroad these ti- 
dings of salvation ? Was it necessary for the first disciples 
to labour so abundantly in word and doctrine ; — must they 
encounter perils by land, and perils by water ; — be instant in 
season ; out of season, boldly withstand persecution, flames, 
and death ; and reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long 
suffering ; and is it now become of so little concern ; are 
the souls of men now so worthless, and their salvation of 
so small account, as to give us no anxiety or solicitude ; as 
not to be worth the sacrifice of a few hours from the year, 



612 bishop gmswold's charge 

or a few pence from our abundance ? " Tell it not in Gath !" 
Why did our blessed Saviour suffer such indignities, and 
the cruel death of the cross ; why, with such awakening 
concern, send his Gospel to all the nations of the earth ; to 
what purpose were all the labours and sufferings and 
martyrdom of apostles, and evangelists and prophets ; ex- 
cept it be a matter of the utmost importance that men 
should hear and believe the Gospel ; except it be an indis- 
pensable duty, and most benevolent work in all Christians, 
to impart to mankind the knowledge and the means of sal- 
vation ? 

But I am not calling your attention now to the Pagan 
world, nor to those who, in distant quarters of the globe, 
still sit in darkness. God be praised, that they are not al- 
together neglected ; that the Lord has raised up those, who 
are daily dispensing his saving Word to the ends of the earth. 
Their praise is in all the Churches ; and the Lord shall re- 
ward their labour of love. My present views, if more hum- 
ble, are not, I trust, of a less useful nature. In no part of the 
world is a better field, nor perhaps a larger, for missionary 
labours, than in our own country, and even in this Diocese. 
Let us provide first for our own house. Here shall we find 
work, more than our hands at present are able to do. But 
let our charity be unbounded. Let it be our care and de- 
light, as opportunity may offer, to impart to all others those 
invaluable blessings, which on us the Lord has so freely and 
so bountifully bestowed. Let our Church excel as much in 
her zeal for God, as we trust she does in the purity of her 
faith and her worship. Let not the minister of Christ be 
wholly employed in trimming the little lamp of his parochial 
cure ; let us not be content with feeding the fire of heaven 
upon our own altars ; but let the sacred flame be extended, 
and its light shine in darker regions. Let us do the work of 
evangelists. Let the work begin in our hearts, and in our 
families ; let it extend to our friends and neighbours, and to 
the humblest cottage of our respective parishes ; nor let it 
cease till it pervades our country, and all the ends of the 
world have seen the salvation of our God. 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 613 

Permit me also, at this time, to direct your attention to the 
provisions and duties required in the 45th Canon. The 
neglect of them in this Diocese has already disgraced us in 
the General Convention, and whilst continued, must defeat, 
in no inconsiderable degree, the object of the Canon. The 
utility of these provisions, when duly carried into effect, and 
the ill-consequences of disregarding them, you may learn 
from the Canon itself, and also from" the Pastoral Address 
of the House of Bishops, in the year of our Lord 1811. It 
will suffice, I trust, to remind you, that every minister of our 
Church ought faithfully to keep such true records of his 
parochial transactions, and yearly transmit them to the State 
Conventions, as the rules of our Church require. It is not 
to be supposed, that any clergyman is so culpably inattentive 
to his duty, as to neglect the keeping of such records. The 
trouble of sending them to the Convention, or to the Bishop 
of the Diocese, is very little, in comparison with the advan- 
tages which it will produce. Suffer me then, brethren, to 
intreat and to enjoin it upon you to be punctual in your com- 
pliance with this Canon : let us never appear again in the 
General Convention, without these returns, regular and com- 
plete. 

On the very important subject of confirmation, and the 
duties connected with it, there is much more to be said than 
the present time and occasion will admit. Here we are 
loudly called to strengthen the things which remain. The 
administration of this apostolic ordinance has, for an obvious 
reason, been but recently introduced into the greater part of 
this Diocese ; and our people generally are not sufficiently 
acquainted with its nature and design, nor do they appreciate 
as they ought its practical utility. To the praise of God's 
goodness and grace, we must acknowledge, that this rite 
has already been much blessed among us. You know well, 
that in the partial and imperfect practice, which it has al- 
ready obtained, how very much it has apparently contributed 
to the increase of piety and true godliness. But neither the 
excellence nor the authority of this institution will be general- 
ly understood, nor can we reap the full benefit of the ordi- 

EEE 



614 

nance, till our congregations — our youth especially, are well 
instructed in its nature and design, and their duty respecting 
it ; that they may not, as is now too much the case, neglect, 
at the suitable age, to receive confirmation ; nor, which is 
much more essential, receive it without sufficient instruction 
in the rudiments of Christianity, and the due preparation of 
repentance towards God, and faith towards the Lord Jesus 
Christ. It is lamentable to find, and it is painful now to 
mention, that no inconsiderable part of those, who frequent 
our religious assemblies, scarce know what we mean, when 
calling upon them to be confirmed. In our pastoral visita- 
tions, we " bring strange things to their ears." "When for 
the time they ought to be teachers, they have need that we 
teach them — which be the first principles of the oracles of 
God." It is true that, in the baptismal office, the Sponsors 
are told that the child, when duly qualified, must " be 
brought to the Bishop to be confirmed by him." Is this 
sufficient instruction for the performance of a very important 
duty, and at the distance of several years ? Even of this, 
however, little as it is, are congregations, we may fear, 
sometimes deprived, by the administering of baptism after 
they have retired ; or perhaps in the vestry-room, or a private 
house. 

Sermons also, I gladly acknowledge, and excellent ones, 
are preached on this subject, before most of our congrega- 
tions ; but so rarely, and in such seasons, as to be very in- 
adequate to the desired effect. It is, if I mistake not, much 
the practice to preach on this subject at those seasons only, 
once perhaps in three years, when the ordinance is to be ad- 
ministered, and but a short time before ; which discourse 
some do not hear ; others do not sufficiently understand, nor 
do any have due time to consider of the subject. The natural 
consequence is, that a very considerable part of those who 
ought to be confirmed, either postpone it for want of informa- 
tion, or of time to prepare ; or, what is much worse, they 
perform it without such knowledge and sincere devotion, as 
are necessary to obtain the spiritual benefit of the ordinance. 
They who thus lose one opportunity, perhaps before another 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 615 

occurs are dead, or absent, or for the like reason still post- 
pone it ; or, what is worst of all, may have devoted them- 
selves to the world and its vanities, and become callous to 
all religious impressions. 

These, brethren, are not imaginary things ; but evils 
which are often realized. For reformation, under God, we 
must look to you. Let more time and care be systematically 
appropriated to this branch of religious instruction. It is a 
duty, and a very important one, of every parish minister, to 
see that those of his charge, who are of proper age and stand- 
ing for confirmation, be well informed of its use and excel- 
lence ; that they may be in constant preparation to witness 
that good confession before God and his Church, when op- 
portunity shall call them. Be careful also that none are pre- 
sented for confirmation before they have attained to an age 
and understanding capable of a reasonable faith in God, and 
a knowledge of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Let none be 
urged to the duty against their will. Their offering them- 
selves to God is to be their own act, and should be their 
free choice ; " for God," as in all things, so especially in 
this, " loveth a cheerful giver." Let none be encouraged to 
come to this ordinance, who appear not to be influenced by 
religious motives ; — by a humble, sincere, and devout desire 
to serve God and to obtain his blessing. You know well 
what reproach has been cast upon our Church, and how 
much this holy ordinance has been brought into disrepute 
from inattention to this most essential part of our duty. Not 
that we are to suppose this evil exists, or ever existed in our 
Church, in such degree as uncharitable adversaries have re- 
presented : but, that so great an evil should exist in any de- 
gree ; that such a reproach should be ever cast, and we 
unable to refute it, is a humiliating reflection. By well do- 
ing, let us put to silence the ignorance of those, who unjust- 
ly censure ; and evince to pious and candid Christians, of 
all denominations, that we put no vain confidence in outward 
acts of religion ; nor ascribe any efficacy to our administra- 
tions, repugnant t o the word of God. We use the means, 
in humble reliance upon his promised grace ; but expect no 



616 bishop griswold's charge 

spiritual blessings, except our hearts are prepared, through 
grace, to receive them. Let these things be so often and 
clearly taught, and so uniformly practised, that none, who 
have ears to hear, and eyes to see, can misapprehend them. 
In the confirmation office, as also in that of baptism, are a 
few words in a sense somewhat different from their modem 
use.* These have perplexed some serious Christians who 
do not consider the ancient and Scriptural sense in which 
we use them; and the adversary takes advantage bypervert- 

* In the first prayer of the Confirmation Office, are the following words : 
— "Almighty and everlasting God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate these 
thy servants, with water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given unto them 
forgiveness of all their sins." These words have reference to their baptism, 
acknowledging God's great mercies exhibited to mankind, and sealed to 
the faithful in that sacrament. We pretend not to judge the heart, or to 
know whose sins are forgiven of God, or whose retained ; nor whether 
any one is certainly renewed in the spirit of his mind. But it is the belief 
of our Church, (as it is indeed of most other Churches, declared in their 
Standards ; their Articles, Platforms and Confessions,) that baptism is the 
sign of regeneration, representing, by the washing of water, the forgiveness 
of sins, through Jesus Christ, and that " we also should walk in newness of 
life." A person may outwardly receive this " washing of regeneration," 
without " the renewing of the Holy Ghost," — he may " be born of water, 
and not of the Spirit :" he may receive "the outward sign, or form in bap- 
tism," and not " the inward part, or thing signified." But in this prayer 
the ordinance is supposed to have been duly administered, and worthily re- 
ceived : it is supposed, that the persons present, desiring to be confirmed, 
have been truly baptized, according to the institution of Jesus Christ, with 
such faith and repentance, preceding or following, as his Gospel requires. 
If this be the case (as it ought to be with all, before they come to that ordi- 
nance,) they are regenerate, in the sense in which the word is used by our 
Church ; they are ingrafted into Christ's spiritual kingdom, and their sins 
past are forgiven. In this sense we use these words of the prayer : we 
humbly acknowledge God's mercies, manifested to his people in the sacra- 
ment of baptism. And when persons have been baptized, and present then> 
selves before the Lord's minister, desiring publicly, in the presence of God, 
and the congregation of his people, to ratify and confirm the obligations of 
that sacrament, and acknowledge themselves bound to believe, and to do 
what they had undertaken, or their Sponsors had undertaken for them ; it 
is surely not improper for the Lord's minister, in this prayer, charitably to 
suppose that these persons are sincere ; — that the Lord's mercies, by them 
are thankfully received, according to his will. Farther than this, we pre- 
sume not to say that any are regenerate, or that their sins are forgiven. 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 617 

ing it to excite a prejudice against us. Let those expressions 
be frequently and clearly explained to our congregations, 
who will then see that the objections so often raised are but 
" strifes of words." 

Parents also, and sponsors, should often be reminded of 
their duty, and exhorted and encouraged to be faithful in the 
important charge, committed to them by the Church of 
Christ : — to " see that their children are taught, so soon as 
they shall be able to learn," the solemn obligations and also 
the inestimable privileges of the Christian covenant. 

And here we may number among the things which, though 
through God's goodness they yet remain, are ready to die, 
" sponsors in baptism" Perhaps no institution so wise and 
salutary was ever so neglected. Considering how very im- 
portant it is that the children, who are made members of 
Christ, should be brought up in the nurture and admonition 
of the Lord ; our Church requires one at least, besides the 
parents, to engage in this duty, it is expected certainly that 
the parents do it.* But in how many thousand instances 
they do it not. They are taken away by death : or they 
journey into distant lands. From ignorance or some infirmi- 
ty, they may be incapable of teaching their children ; or, from 
indolence or vice, indisposed to do it. How great then is 
the blessing to such children, that the Church has appointed 
one or more of its pious members to be their godfathers, or 
godmothers ; to be their spiritual parents in the Lord, and 
train them up in the paths of godliness ! But how deplora- 
bly in some instances are these promising fruits blasted, by 
the negligence of Sponsors ! 

Perhaps some will object, " If such be the duty of Spon- 
sors, who would undertake it ?" Permit me rather to ask, 

* Parents are bound by nature, and by the word of God to do this duty 
for their children, without being their sponsors in baptism. The Church 
of England, considering this, and also how often, through indulgence to 
their children, and other failings, they neglect to give them religious in- 
struction, requires three sponsors for a child, neither of which shall be its 
parent. This therefore is required, not as some absurdly object, to deprive 
the parent of any right ; but to increase the certainty of benefit to his child. 

EEE* 



618 bishop griswold's charge 

what real Christian would not undertake it ? Will we do 
nothing for the Lord's sake ? Or will we be weary in well 
doing ? What charity, more benevolent or acceptable, can 
adorn a disciple of Jesus Christ ? 

And not only parents and sponsors, but every Christian, 
according as he is able, should assist in this, and all other 
good and charitable works. The most faithful minister, and 
the most able, can do but little without the co-operation of 
his people. In every branch of his parochial duties, the as- 
sistance of the pious members of his Church is of vast import- 
ance, especially in teaching the rudiments of Christianity. 

I shall conclude with a few words respecting the state of 
piety and godliness in our congregations. Vital religion, 
through the Lord's goodness, is not, we humbly trust, de- 
creasing in our Churches, but the contrary ; yet the deficien- 
cy of this one thing needful is too obvious to need proof, 
and too essential to be passed in silence. We see, and it is 
painful to see, what wickedness still prevails in the world. 
And among those "who have a name that they live," who 
are called Christians, it is not less lamentable to see so much 
love of the world, and coldness towards God, and each 
other ; to see such ignorance of Christ and of the holy Scrip- 
tures, where means and opportunities of acquiring religious 
knowledge abound; — to see those doctrines of the cross 
which are the hope of man, and " the power of God, and 
the wisdom of God," degraded at the footstool of human 
reason; to see, in a word, so little concern, and less zeal 
for those tenets, and sacred rites which chiefly distinguish 
the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. With 
what awakened apprehension, my Reverend Brethren, — with 
what trembling solicitude, should we reflect, that for these 
things we may be in some degree accountable ! If ungodli- 
ness prevails in our flocks, we are not released from the re- 
sponsibility ; we have not delivered our own souls, till we 
have given warning, and declared the whole counsel of God, 
by our preaching and example. We are ordained to be 
"the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost its savour" 
it is good for nothing. Our divine Master has commanded 



TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 619 

his ministers to be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves: 
and no ministers, that he has ever sent, have had more need 
than we of such prudence and innocency. We have to con- 
tend, not only with all the impediments and difficulties com- 
mon to those who preach the Gospel ; but, unhappily, with 
the prejudices of our Christian brethren, of other denomina- 
tions, against the Episcopal Church ; which prejudices, you 
well know, prevail, and in a very great degree, in most parts 
of these Eastern States. It is certain, that thousands, and 
tens of thousands are led to believe, that we neglect the es- 
sentials of religion ; that we do not teach the depravity of 
human nature ; the necessity of conversion ; the renewal of 
the heart by the Holy Spirit ; and that we are justified, not 
by our works, but by our faith in the merits and sacrifice of 
Jesus Christ. Our Articles, you will say, may teach them 
the contrary. True : but they may not read our Articles ; qr 
they may think, that we do not read them. Let us teach 
them the contrary. Let the true doctrines of our Church, 
on these points, be clearly and often taught, according to 
their importance. Add line upon line, and precept upon 
precept, till prejudice shall give place to conviction. In 
teaching our flocks, let us carefully endeavour to lay the 
foundation of repentance, faith, and sincere piety. To in- 
struct them in moral righteousness, without this foundation, 
is like building a house upon the sand. 

And let us "take heed to ourselves" as well as "to our 
doctrine." Let us be sure, that we possess that, which we 
pretend to dispense. Shall we preach "repentance towards 
God," while we live to the world? Or " faith towards the 
Lord Jesus Christ," while, by our own conduct, we put him 
to open shame ? How can we persuade others, by " the 
terrors of the Lord, except those terrors have awakened our 
own hearts to righteousness ? Or impart to them comforts, 
which we have never felt ? Let us not only embrace the 
truth, as it is in Christ Jesus ; but adorn the doctrine of God 
in all things. Let us show by our own example, how men 
should walk and please him. Let us labour not to please 
men, but to save them ; and evince, by our zeal for their 



620 bishop gmswold's charge. 

spiritual interest, that we seek not theirs, but them. If we 
would have them " so account of us as stewards of the 
mysteries of God," let us never forget, that "it is required 
in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 

That we may be so found, and that the Churches, com- 
mitted to our care, may increase in numbers, piety, and zeal, 
the Lord mercifully grant, through Jesus Christ : to whom, 
with the Father and the blessed Spirit, be ascribed all glory 
and praise forever. — Amen. 



THE END. 






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